An issue that affected hundreds of thousands of New Jersey students in summer 2020 has been resolved.
“As of today, New Jersey’s digital divide is no more — it has been closed,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said March 10. “Based on the latest input from our schools and districts, the reported number of students across New Jersey still lacking either a device or connectivity for remote learning is zero.”
He added, “We committed $54 million dollars in federal pandemic relief funds earmarked specifically for education to partner with our districts to close this divide, and today, that investment has paid off. However, don’t expect us to rest on any laurels because now our task shifts to ensuring that the digital divide isn’t allowed to creak back open. And closing the digital divide wasn’t just about meeting the challenges of remote learning, although it is. It’s been about ensuring that every student has the tools they need to excel in a 21st-century educational environment.”
“Having the digital divide reach zero is something to celebrate,” said AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera. “This goes to prove that when local, state and federal agencies work together, we can conquer anything. This is the first step in making sure all New Jersey students are connected and that they stay connected. Even pre-pandemic, technology was integrated into the education system, therefore connectivity needs to be a steady service, just like water and electricity. Now our next challenge is to establish a funding source so school districts are able to keep their technology up to date.”