School City of Mishawaka gets $10,000 to shrink digital divide

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The School City of Mishawaka received a $10,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation and enFocus to help families access at-home internet services.

The grant was given to enFocus, a South Bend-based nonprofit, who in turn is dedicating the money to its Fellow team that is building a database to connect Mishawaka students and families to the internet.   

The Fellows are modeling their work after the South Bend Community School Corporation's Citywide Classroom initiative, which has provided free, at-home internet connection to more than 4,200 students in South Bend schools.

“Connectivity is critical in today’s world. Having reliable internet access means that students can do homework, find new passions, and stay in touch with friends and family. It also means their parents can find a new job or access key services,” added Patrick McGuire, former enFocus Fellow and current Project Manager. “All of us must work together to help bridge the digital divide in our community and help families thrive.”

The grant is part of AT&T's more than $2 million commitment to provide affordable broadband services to consumers and education institutions.