• To ensure every student gets a Chromebook

Ohio City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther along with Columbus City Council President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown and Columbus City Schools has announced $7 million CARES Act funding for additional Chromebooks for Columbus City Schools’ students.

In May, the City received $157 million CARES Act dollars from the U.S. Treasury to provide assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Columbus will use $7 million of those dollars to assure that every student in Columbus City Schools will be given a Chromebook.

“Virtual learning shined a bright light on disparities in our community. Students without access to technology have been left behind,” said Mayor Ginther.

“These funds will put access to learning right into the hands of more students right here in our city.”

“Technology and digital learning will be critical components to the future of schools, pandemic or not. CCS’s continued partnership with Mayor Ginther and Columbus City Council is critical as we ensure equity in education for all our students both in the short term during this pandemic, and long-term to drive student achievement,” said Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Talisa Dixon.

“I am appreciative of our ongoing partnership which will benefit all our students and their families as we work to balance the educational needs of our students with health and safety guidance during this ongoing pandemic.   Columbus City Schools is committed to being a leader in technology, and that is why this funding and this partnership is so critical for our students and our educators. These devices will allow all CCS students to access our online curriculum which will help close the digital divide and increase academic outcomes for our school community.”

In order to leverage this partnership, Columbus City Schools will ensure that all students and families are able to access the devices for virtual learning. The District will also work to provide hotspots and reliable internet access so that students are able to use their Chromebooks for lessons and online instruction.

“Providing this funding is an important short-term step to help connect students with digital learning opportunities during this pandemic,” said Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown.

“As we take the necessary precautions to keep our community safe, we must continue to do everything we can to support kids and families who are struggling to adjust to the new realities of living with COVID-19.”