Jeffco Public Schools

We know that the "digital divide" between low income and more affluent students is a real and significant issue that needs to be addressed as Jeffco Public Schools moves forward with a district-level 1:1 program.

The Chromebooks being used by the majority of our schools have an offline option where students will be able to work on Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides without an internet connection. Learn more about how to work in offline mode.

 

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

• Announced in May, 2022: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered through the Federal Government provides eligible households a high-speed internet through 20 leading internet providers for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. There are several ways to qualify for the ACP: through your participation in other government programs or based on your annual household income. Additional information can be found on the White House website. 

Low-Cost Options

• Comcast Internet Essentials: You have to be eligible (most families who qualify for free and reduced lunches will be), live in the Comcast service area, and have not had Comcast service in the past 90 days. After receiving two months free, the monthly cost is just $9.95/month + taxes. Read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.

• Comcast has waived the restriction on getting this deal if you have outstanding balance with Comcast in the past year. If you applied but were denied for this reason, please apply again. 

• Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, non-residential Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you and then follow the instructions Xfinity provides to connect for free.

• Century Link is offering a $9.95 discount on internet packages to qualifying families. You can read more about their Lifeline program on their website or fill out the request form in English or Spanish.
  
  

Free Internet Options

• Many businesses (coffeeshops, for example) offer free Wifi that can be used. Use this map to find free Wifi options near you.
  
  
• Jefferson County Public Libraries offer both free Wifi at their locations and an opportunity to check out wireless hot spots. Please note that there are often waiting lists for the available hot spots.

 

Mobile Internet Options

Finally, many cell phone service providers offer the option to have your phone act as a "hot spot" for internet access. You would need to contact your cell phone service provider for more information about availability and cost for this option.

Here are the instructions for using a hot spot:

• On an Andriod device
• On an iPhone