November 18, 2021
NWEA Supports the Infrastructure and Jobs Act’s Focus on Closing the Nation’s Digital Divide
Millions of students lack the powerful home broadband connections and devices required for digital instruction, online collaboration with peers and teachers, and homework. This “Homework Gap” is particularly pronounced for Black, Latino, low income, and rural families. Given the breadth of this systemic challenge for learning, NWEA is thrilled that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act prioritizes closing the nation’s digital divide by providing $65 billion for broadband infrastructure and affordability.
NWEA’s CEO, Chris Minnich, said, “The bipartisan infrastructure bill’s broadband investments will be a ‘game changer’ for digital learning, especially for students living in the nation’s most under-connected communities. Building on the FCC’s groundbreaking broadband mapping initiative, these essential new funds will make a huge difference for learners across the country”.
“Today, every student needs access to affordable high speed internet connections and sufficiently powerful devices for digital learning where they live and learn. The infrastructure package will help communities finally reach this long-sought goal. Congress wisely supplemented the new law’s direct broadband infrastructure investments with related resources designed to ensure affordability, promote digital literacy, and facilitate household engagement. NWEA is excited for this work to move forward”
About NWEA
NWEA® (formerly known as Northwest Evaluation Association) is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators in more than 146 countries through research, assessment solutions, policy and advocacy services, professional learning and school improvement services that fight for equity, drive classroom impact and push for systemic change in our educational communities. Visit NWEA.org to learn more about how we’re partnering with educators to help all kids learn.
Contact: Simona Beattie, Sr. Manager, Public Relations, simona.beattie@nwea.org or 971.361.9526