MILWAUKEE. (October 17, 2024) – To help provide equitable learning access and opportunities and keep local youth connected, UScellular has donated 500 wireless hotspots and two years of service valued at $563,000, to Wellpoint Care Network as part of its After School Access Project. UScellular’s After School Access Project provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and provides safe internet access for homework and education.
The hotspots provided to Wellpoint Care Network will leverage UScellular’s wireless network, ensuring high-speed connectivity to youth and families connected to the organization, allowing children to continuously access educational resources and opportunities, enabling them to participate in virtual learning and complete homework assignments that require online research.
“Connecting people and communities is our mission and the After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping ensure youth have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams,” said Marlon Bailey, Director of Sales and Operations at UScellular in Wisconsin. “We encourage Wisconsin nonprofit organizations to apply for this program and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America.”
Wellpoint Care Network’s mission is to facilitate equity, learning, healing and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive. To break the cycles of poverty, violence and racial inequities, people need equitable access to safe housing, food security, healthcare, education and employment. Wellpoint Care supports families along this journey, and helps them find compassion, connection and opportunities to heal.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this donation of hotspots,” said Andrew Bonner, Community Engagement Coordinator at Wellpoint Care Network. “The families in our care will benefit deeply from this increased internet access. We plan to distribute these to students and their families in schools where we also provide mental health services, to members of our Supervised Living Independent programs and more. It’s a great way to provide some financial relief to our families and the community during these difficult times.”
Since 2021, UScellular has donated more than $12 million supporting over 100 organizations with hotspots and service nationwide. In early 2023, UScellular extended its pledge and committed up to $13 million in new funding to the program.
Eligible 501c3 nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by going to www.AfterSchoolAccessProject.com.
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is committed to connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators each year with the resources they need today to help shape future opportunities. Since 2009, UScellular has invested more than $35 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations across the country.
For more information about the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/.
