Wireless hotspots, software and books will connect families to remote classes through North Quadrant Support Services initiative
The UMass Medical School North Quadrant Support Services initiative is donating funds to support Worcester Public Schools in direct response to the COVID-19 school shutdown. UMMS will provide internet access to students to help them catch up via remote learning opportunities. The donation was announced by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty on behalf of Superintendent of Schools Maureen Binienda at the city鈥檚 daily COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, June 9.
鈥淲e know how important it is for students to remain connected to education, particularly through the summer months and consistent and reliable internet access for all students is a must. I want to thank Chancellor Michael Collins and UMass Medical School for their commitment to purchase a hot spot for every family in the North Quadrant,鈥 said Mayor Petty. 鈥淭his is about fairness and equity and we know that lack of internet access disproportionately affects our economically disadvantaged urban cores and rural areas.鈥
Depending on final costs, approximately $80,000 to $90,000 from UMMS will secure a wireless hotspot service for every family in the North Quadrant identified as needing one. Funds will also pay for books, software and staff time required to run a virtual summer school program for kindergarten and first grade students. With a focus on reading readiness, a package of age-appropriate books will be purchased and delivered to each child鈥檚 home.
The North Quadrant includes some of the city鈥檚 most economically challenged neighborhoods. UMMS established the support services initiative in 2017 with grant funding from the Remillard Family Community Service Fund to help address socioeconomic barriers to academic success faced by many of the area鈥檚 K鈥12 students.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been committed to the Worcester Public Schools for more than 20 years and are happy to continue to meet the district鈥檚 needs in a different way as the community has been impacted by COVID-19,鈥 said Kola Akindele, JD, assistant vice chancellor for city and community relations in the Office of Community and Government Relations. 鈥淧roviding students with resources to overcome lack of access to remote learning is one way we can fulfill our mission at this time.鈥
With additional funding available through the generosity of UMMS students and staff who directed their employee giving campaign donations to the North Quadrant Support Services initiative, UMMS has funded a variety of services and programs since its inception. These have included mini-grants for classroom enrichment, a school food pantry, laundry facilities and backpacks filled with school supplies.
Related stories on UMassMedNow: