HOUSTON — A partnership between Houston ISD and Verizon that provided tens of thousands of students with free devices and data plans to help bridge the digital divide is now at risk of ending.
Since 2020, Verizon – along with its nonprofit partner Digital Promise – worked with HISD to provide students and teachers with free technology like laptops, tablets and data plans. In that time, Verizon said it has invested about $75 million in technology in Houston-area schools and the program has reached 36 schools in the district, impacting 56,500 students and 2,500 teachers.
However, the program could end unless an agreement between Verizon and HISD is reached. Verizon indicated in a statement to KHOU 11 that there’s been a lack of response on whether or not the district wants to continue the program.
“Through Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning has made several attempts to continue its partnership with Houston ISD, and would be delighted to continue the partnership upon their response and demonstrated commitment to the program,” a spokesperson for Verizon said in a statement. “It is our goal to continue working with Houston ISD with the understanding that there needs to be a signed [memorandum of understanding] between the school district and Digital Promise to move forward.”
Without a signed agreement between the district and Verizon, data services will be terminated on Nov. 17. Donated devices that belong to HISD will still be able to use Wi-Fi connectivity, Verizon said.
Verizon also worked with HISD to establish 18 Verizon Innovative Learning Labs in the district, which were centers where students had access to hands-on learning using digital equipment like virtual reality, 3-D printing and more. The company said it is, “awaiting district response” on interest to continue the labs program.
"For us, it was our saving grace because HISD was not ready for the pandemic," Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association, said.
Williams said even as classes have resumed as normal after pandemic protocols, the program has filled in gaps where students lack resources for internet connectivity inside and outside the classroom. She wants district leaders to act to continue the program.
"Clearly, 56,000 children being impacted with this loss of connectivity should be something that they, the representative body of the community, should step in and say, this is not something that we should let go," Williams said.
HISD told KHOU 11 the district received our request for comment and will follow up.
About 12% of Harris County households lack broadband internet access, according to 2022 U.S. Census data.