Free Internet Connection for District Online Classes
The City has set up “Student Access Centers” in various key locations to help students who don’t have access to internet opportunities. Access Centers provide Philadelphia School District youngsters in grades K-12 with safe places for digital learning when caregivers work outside the home and have no childcare support.
Sites are open to registered students Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.* The staff at these centers will supervise students during digital learning time; provide meals; and run activities. It is planned that the program will run through June, 2022.
At this time, each location is limited to 25 students. Registration in advance is required and priority will be given to families who work outside of the home and can’t afford or access childcare support.
The locations in or near Southwest are as follows:
– Cobbs Creek Recreation Center, 280 Cobbs Creek Pkwy. (215) 685-1983
– Finnegan Playground, 6801 Grovers Ave. (215) 685 4191
– Kingsessing Recreation Center, 4901 Kingsessing Ave. (215) 685 4191
– Myers Recreation Center, 58th St. & Kingsessing Ave. (215) 685 1242
Parents should call in advance to make sure there is a place for their child https://www.phila.gov/access-center-finder/
COVID-19 safety guidelines about facemasks, handwashing and distancing are strictly observed.
Program will be closed on the following dates: Monday, September 28 (full-day closure); Monday, October 12 (full-day closure); Friday, October 16 (sites close at 12 p.m.) and Tuesday, November 3 (full-day closure). Distribution of devices, such as Chromebooks, tablets, or computers through their school.
PHLConnectED is possible thanks to collaboration among business and civic leaders who came together to support Philadelphia students. The city upgraded the WiFi connections at the centers to handle the increased traffic and to make sure they are fast enough for students to do school work.
Information for this article was condensed from a Phila. School District release and the PHLConnectED website by Ted Behr.
