RCRC Toolbox Issue Brief: Broadband in Education: Executive Summary

• 2021

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This brief describes how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for broadband in education, especially in rural areas of North Carolina and Puerto Rico. Many families lack internet access due to high costs, limited infrastructure, and unavailable devices. The "homework gap" affects students who can't complete online assignments. Despite funding efforts like the CARES Act, many areas remain underserved. Recommendations include treating broadband as a public service and expanding programs to improve access to networks, affordable services, devices, and training. It emphasizes equal educational opportunities during disasters by improving internet connectivity for all children regardless of location or income level.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Infectious Disease; Infrastructure Failure; Natural Disasters

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Public Health Professionals

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Education; North Carolina; Puerto Rico; Rural Health; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; Telecommunications; Internet; Internet Access

Institutions: Columbia Climate School National Center for Disaster Preparedness; Save the Children; GSK

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