Internet access for students getting expanded in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A partnership between South Bend Community School Corporation, the City of South Bend, and local nonprofit EnFocus will expand internet access throughout the city. The initiative will help students get connected through WiFi hotspots and at-home internet packages.

The program is called Citywide Classroom South Bend and was recently tested out with the south Bend Empowerment Zone Schools and Washington High School.

The pilot saw 100 hotspots installed and 50 at-home subscriptions given out.

“Through our pilot, we have worked through some necessary infrastructure planning and logistics requirements. We are now rolling out our phased distribution approach to reach those with the greatest need first,” said Patrick Stalvey, Chief Technology Officer for South Bend Community School Corporation.

The $1.8 million given through the Governors Emergency Education Relief grant will allow the program to distribute more than 2,200 at-home internet packages and 2,000 hotspots.

Citywide Classroom South Bend will be rolled out in three phases as follows:

Tier 1: Nov. 2 through Nov. 13 (blue)

• Rise Up Academy
• Muessel Elementary School
• Lincoln Elementary School
• Monroe Elementary School
• Madison STEAM Academy
• Coquillard Elementary School
• Nuner Fine Arts Academy
• Jackson Middle School
• Hay Elementary School
• Harrison Elementary School

Tier 2: Nov. 9 through Nov. 20 (red)

• Marshall Traditional School
• Warren Elementary School
• Marquette Montessori
• Darden Elementary School
• Dickinson Fine Arts Academy
• Navarre Middle School
• Washington High School
• Riley High School
• Edison Middle School
• Clay High School

Tier 3: Nov. 16 through Dec. 2 (green)

• Swanson Traditional School
• Clay International Academy
• McKinley Elementary School
• Jefferson Traditional School
• John Adams High School
• Tarkington Elementary School
• Kennedy Academy
• LaSalle Intermediate School
• Wilson Elementary School