Newark

4,000 students will receive a free device and free wireless service in first year of the program

 

NEWARK, NJ – Nov. 17, 2017 – Sprint (NYSE: S), Newark Public Schools Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf, and Newark’s Mayor, Ras J. Baraka announced today that more than 4,000 Newark Public High School students will receive the equipment and connectivity they need to complete their schoolwork from home as part of the 1Million Project. The 2017-2018 school year marks the first year of the initiative with more 180,000 students in 1,300 schools across 30 states.

“The classroom has rapidly evolved through the last decade, which is why it’s crucial for students to have access to cutting-edge technology,” said Karen Paletta, Sprint’s President for the New York City and New Jersey Region. “Sprint wants to make sure every child has what he or she needs to succeed, and that’s why we’re so excited to make this donation of hotspots and smartphones to Newark Public Schools.”

Seventy percent of America’s high school teachers assign homework requiring online connectivity, yet more than five million families with school-aged students do not have internet connectivity at home.¹ These students are faced with an enormous challenge as they are unable to complete their homework from home, search for jobs, apply to college and financial aid, or easily access the valuable information they need to succeed in school and life.

“Newark has become one of the country’s most important centers of technology. In keeping with that, I am pleased that Sprint has chosen to provide Newark students with the connectivity they need to do their school work and prepare themselves for a bright future,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka.

“The Sprint devices will expand the opportunity for more than 4,000 Newark Public Schools students to be connected to learning anytime, anywhere,” said Newark Superintendent of Schools, Christopher D. Cerf.  “Thank you Sprint for your investment in our students.”

The 1Million Project will distribute devices and provide service to eligible students at the following Newark high schools:

Each student participating in the 1Million Project will receive either a free smartphone or hotspot device and 3GB of high-speed LTE data per month for up to four years while they are in high school. Unlimited data is available at 2G speeds if usage exceeds 3GB in a month. Those who receive a smartphone can use it as a hotspot.

To address the homework gap on such a large scale, Sprint piloted the program with 3,750 high school students in 10 markets in January 2017 through the end of the last school year. Lessons learned at the local level helped to prepare for the national rollout this fall. In a survey of students who participated in the pilot, the vast majority (86%) said the 1Million Project improved their attitude toward learning and school, and helped them do their homework in a comfortable, convenient and safe place. Looking forward, 82% of students said the program positively impacted the likelihood that they will persist and graduate from high school. And, 80% said it improves the likelihood that they will continue on to college.

Schools or districts who want to apply for the second year of the 1Million Project, which begins with the 2018-19 school year, can visit www.sprint.com/1millionproject to learn more. Applicants will receive a response by spring 2018.

Anyone looking to support the program can visit www.sprint.com/give1mp to make a donation via credit card.² Sprint stores continue to accept monetary and device donations. Used mobile devices can also be donated online.³ Devices will be recycled or resold with net proceeds benefiting the 1Million Project. Visit www.sprint.com/1millionproject for more information, and follow and support the program on social media by using the hashtag #1MillionProject.

1 The Pew Research Center (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/20/the-numbers-behind-the-broadband-homework-gap/)

² Cash donations for the 1Million Project are tax-deductible charitable contributions to the Sprint Foundation.

³ Device donations are not tax deductible. Net proceeds from reselling/recycling donated devices or $1 per device, whichever is greater, will be donated to the program.