The Alvin Sherman Library has entered a partnership with Excess Telecom, a service provider for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP is a government-funded benefits program operating under the Federal Communication Commission.
To be eligible for ACP services, an individual must be a participant in a government-initiated program or live on a qualifying Tribal land. One qualifying program is being awarded the Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded to an average of 30% to 40% of undergraduates yearly.
The ACP aims to ensure low-income families can obtain internet services and connected devices needed for work, school, healthcare and at more affordable rates. If individuals can contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price, they can receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from a participating provider.
Through this program, NSU students who receive the Federal Pell Grant can apply on an online form to receive an $11 tablet including free services and unlimited data, texts and calls. The student will receive the tablet to keep indefinitely. The services will be good for a year, and once that time is up, they will be contacted to update information to maintain services for an additional $11 charge.
Documentation in the application must include the student’s name, the university name and the Federal Pell Grant for the fall 2023 semester. The online application takes a few minutes to complete, but the Federal Government verification of the information may take a few weeks. Once the student has been verified, they will be contacted to meet with a representative to set up their tablet and services.
Most students who qualify are unaware of the program available to them, due to a lack of communication about the benefit.
“I was not aware of the program, but I am interested in learning more,” said Rueida Ali, sophomore psychology major and Pell Grant recipient.
Classes have turned digital with the use of interactive homework assignments and supplemental learning tools accessed on platforms like Canvas. Students who do not have access to the internet or devices at home are forced to seek other routes or risk failing.
“This program ensures all students have access to technologies needed to succeed in college and is something critical for all students to have in order to succeed,” said Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., executive director of the Writing and Communication Center.
“This is important information to be “communicated to all students that qualify as quickly and clearly as possible,” Dvorak said.
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