SAN JOSE, CA – The Santa Clara County Office of Education supports the recent legislation (SB156) signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that invests $6 billion to bridge the digital divide and expand broadband access to all in California.
“The global pandemic shined a spotlight on the long-standing inequitable access to reliable internet and Wi-Fi in our underserved communities,” said County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan. “This historic legislation is a step in the right direction to expand vital broadband access to ensure all students have the opportunity to be successful in their educational journeys."
More than 2 million Californians are currently without internet access. Without reliable, affordable internet during the pandemic, students and families struggled to engage in online instruction and access important resources and services. As part of the comprehensive California Comeback Plan, the recently signed legislation expands broadband infrastructure with the construction of a state-owned open access middle mile network and last mile projects that connect underserved communities and businesses with local networks.
For more information on the bill signed into law, visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/07/20/governor-newsom-signs-historic-broadband-legislation-to-help-bridge-digital-divide/
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.