The Ohio Department of Education, in collaboration with BroadbandOhio, provided Ohio schools and Education Service Centers with the opportunity to apply for funds through a grant application process.
The BroadbandOhio Connectivity Grant is linked to RemotEDx, a new $15 million suite of remote education supports for schools funded by the Ohio Department of Education CARES Act state activity funds. A component of RemotEDx includes the deployment of Connectivity Champions, who are singularly focused on helping schools remove barriers to internet connectivity and coordinate connections to state-level resources. Connectivity Champions will be deployed through Information Technology Centers, in partnership with the Management Council and the Ohio Department of Education.
Devices and services that provide connectivity include:
- Home internet paid for by the district for students;
- Hotspots/Mifis with a service plan;
- Mobile hotspots (including on buses);
- Public Wifi infrastructure; and
- Other technology that provides a connection for the student.
None is available.