Chenery Upper Elementary School receives 200 devices to support equitable access and strengthen learning at home.
Belmont Public Schools is pleased to announce that Chenery Upper Elementary School has been selected to receive devices through the Connected and Online Program, a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). This initiative, supported by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, is designed to expand digital access and opportunity for residents across the Commonwealth.
Through the MBI program, Chenery Upper Elementary School has received 200 Chromebooks and six Chromebook carts to expand access to internet-enabled devices for students who do not have consistent access at home. This initiative directly responds to family feedback identifying device access as an equity issue. To address this need, devices will be assigned to students for home use and will remain at home throughout the school year, ensuring reliable access while reducing wear and tear associated with daily transport.
“We’re incredibly excited about what this means for our students,” said Laura Smith, principal of Chenery Upper Elementary School. “By responding directly to family feedback and providing devices for use at home, we’re helping to ensure that all students have consistent access to the tools they need. When families have what they need, students are better supported, more confident, and more connected to their learning.”
In alignment with the goals of the Connected and Online Program, families may also use these devices for broader needs such as telehealth appointments, accessing medical information, and conducting job-related business. This expanded access supports not only student learning, but also the well-being and stability of our families.
Superintendent of Schools Jill Geiser said, “We view this initiative as an important step in ensuring equitable access to resources for all members of our school community. When families have consistent access to the tools and support they need, it strengthens our collective ability to support students’ learning, engagement, and overall success.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MBI distributed nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices through the Connected and Online Program to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing access to essential services and resources online.
“MBI is expanding access to devices in order to empower residents and enable them to take full advantage of opportunities in today’s economy,” said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. “By putting devices in people’s hands, we are opening up new pathways to trainings and resources that can accelerate careers.”
Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative that will provide Massachusetts-based organizations with 26,368 devices, including laptops, and essential equipment to expand access to technology and services.
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About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.
Learn more at broadband.masstech.org.