Bill 117 HR 8077, also known as the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2022, aims to address the issue of unequal access to technology and internet connectivity among students in the United States. The bill recognizes that in today's digital age, access to technology and the internet is essential for students to succeed in their education.
The key provisions of the bill include:
1. Providing funding to schools and school districts to purchase devices such as laptops and tablets for students who do not have access to them at home.
2. Allocating funds for schools to improve their internet infrastructure and provide internet access to students who do not have it at home.
3. Establishing a grant program to support innovative approaches to closing the digital divide, such as mobile hotspots for students in rural areas or low-income communities.
4. Requiring schools to develop plans for ensuring all students have access to technology and the internet, and to report on their progress in closing the digital divide.
Overall, the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2022 seeks to ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed in their education, regardless of their socio-economic background. By providing funding and support to schools and school districts, the bill aims to level the playing field and give every student an equal opportunity to learn and thrive in the digital age.