Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) has launched a new partnership with ALLO Communications to provide free, city-wide internet access to all middle and high school students. The initiative, named the “Smart Schools Broadband Program,” aims to remove connectivity barriers for students in grades 6 through 12, ensuring they can access educational resources from anywhere in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Lincoln Public Schools and ALLO Communications have partnered to create the "Smart Schools Broadband Program."
- The program offers free, city-wide internet access to all LPS students in grades 6-12.
- Students can connect their school-issued laptops to ALLO's fiber-optic network across Lincoln.
- The initiative is designed to eliminate the digital divide for families unable to afford home internet.
- Enrollment is voluntary and requires parental approval through a school portal request.
A New Initiative to Bridge the Digital Divide
The program was officially announced on Friday by district officials, who were joined by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. The collaboration allows students to use their school-issued laptops to connect to ALLO's high-speed fiber network at any location with service, including homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout the city.
LPS Superintendent John Skretta emphasized the program's role in promoting educational equity. He stated that reliable internet access is a fundamental requirement for modern learning.
"By reducing the broadband barrier, we ensure every one of our middle and high school students has the foundational support necessary for success," Skretta said. "This is the very definition of ‘all means all’ commitment in action.”
The initiative addresses the critical need for consistent internet access, which has become essential for completing homework, conducting research, and participating in online learning activities. Officials believe this program will level the playing field for all students, regardless of their family's economic situation.
Addressing the Homework Gap
The "homework gap" refers to the challenges faced by students who lack reliable internet access at home. According to national studies, this can significantly impact academic performance. Programs like the Smart Schools Broadband Program are designed to directly address this issue by extending the school's digital infrastructure into the community.
How the Program Works for Students
The system is designed for seamless integration with the technology students already use. Once enrolled, students can connect their school-provided Chromebooks to the internet using a dedicated application.
The core of the service is the SmartTown for Education app. After receiving approval, students download and install this application on their devices. The app then manages the secure connection to ALLO's fiber-optic broadband services, not just in Lincoln but also in other communities served by ALLO.
This city-wide access means a student can work on an assignment at a local library, a coffee shop, or at home with the same reliable connection. The district highlighted that this flexibility is crucial for today's learning environment, where education extends beyond the classroom walls.
Fiber-Optic Technology
ALLO Communications utilizes a fiber-optic network, which transmits data using light signals through glass fibers. This technology typically offers significantly faster and more reliable internet speeds compared to traditional cable or DSL connections, providing a stable platform for video streaming, research, and other data-intensive educational tasks.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
Lincoln Public Schools has outlined a clear, multi-step process for students who wish to participate in the free internet program. The process ensures both student interest and parental consent are recorded before access is granted.
Students and parents should follow these instructions to opt in:
- Log into the Student Portal: The student must first access their official LPS student portal.
- Submit a Help Ticket: Navigate to the "StuHelp" ticket system.
- Select the Correct Categories: When creating the ticket, choose "other," followed by "Allo SmartTown for Education."
- Add a Comment: In the comments section, the student must write, "I would like to access to Allo SmartTown for Education."
- Submit the Request: After filling out the fields, click the submit button.
- Parental Approval: Once the ticket is submitted, an email will be automatically sent to the student's parent or guardian on file, who must provide approval for the student to join the program.
- Install the App: After approval is granted, the student will receive instructions to download and install the SmartTown for Education app on their school-issued device.
Once these steps are completed, the device will be authorized to connect to the ALLO network throughout the city.
Broader Impact and Future Aspirations
During the announcement, government and school leaders spoke about the long-term significance of the program. They framed it not just as a convenience but as a critical investment in the future workforce and the state's economic health.
Governor Jim Pillen praised the initiative as a model for other districts. He expressed hope that the concept of providing widespread internet access to students could be replicated in other communities across Nebraska, ensuring all students in the state have the tools they need to succeed.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird also highlighted the program's importance for Lincoln, noting that it strengthens the city's educational infrastructure and supports families. The district's statement reiterated that technology is no longer optional in education but a crucial component for preparing students for future careers.
By providing this foundational resource, LPS and ALLO are aiming to foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment for thousands of students across the city.
