A teacher’s guide: Low-cost internet and affordable laptops for students

A young teacher bends down to assist an elementary-age student sitting at a desk inside a classroom. They both look at a tablet smiling and pointing to the screen.
August 28, 2024 | Alliant Credit Union

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines the digital divide as the gap between those who have affordable access, skills and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, almost 60% of eighth graders in the United States say they use a computer to complete their schoolwork at home every day or almost every day.  For school children, one way the divide manifests is through a phenomenon known as the “homework gap.”

It is estimated that nearly 17 million students are faced with these types of digital inequities. Below are resources that you, your students and their families may find helpful in the quest for an internet connection. From cheaper laptops to reduced-price Wi-Fi, there are trusted sources for every student in need.

What you’ll learn:

Finding reduced-price laptops and desktop computers

Whether your student could benefit from a tablet, Chromebook, laptop or desktop computer, there are many organizations across the country that specialize in refurbishing digital devices. Many of these organizations exist to serve two important purposes: To help recycle used tech – keeping more waste out of landfills – and to place low-cost devices in homes impacted by the digital divide.

For instance, PCs for People is a nationwide digital inclusion organization that collects retired computers and laptops from government agencies, local corporations, schools and other organizations. They then data sanitize and refurbish the devices, distributing them to families across the country at in-person events and through PCs for People’s online store. Prices for devices start at $100. To be eligible, customers must currently be on a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income.

EveryoneOn, another national digital inclusion organization, has created an Offer Locator Tool, which is a national database of low-cost internet programs and affordable devices. By entering your zip code, you’re supplied with a list of affordable laptops available in your area, as well as reduced-cost internet service plans available in that region.

They even offer a free “Digital Citizenship Curriculum” through their educational resources partner so that your student can learn basic online safety and security skills.

Connecting households to low-cost internet options

Helping your student find a budget-friendly laptop, tablet or desktop computer is only helpful if they have internet to connect that device to once they bring it home. One Pew Research survey shows that nearly 15% of households with school-aged children lack access to high-speed internet. Households with children making less than $30,000 a year experience the digital divide at even greater rates, with 35% lacking a broadband connection.

PCs for People is also trying to help provide more affordable internet for those who need it PCs for people provides customers with fixed wireless internet at $15 per month, on a pay-per-month schedule.

Digital equity grants for your classroom

If your classroom needs funding for digital devices or digital skills training, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation may be able to help. The Foundation has a vision to provide reliable broadband, digital literacy resources and technology equipment for underserved communities through investments with strategic, charitable partners. Grant applications are accepted throughout the year and eligible 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to apply.

How you can help

Twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, Alliant partners with PCs for People for an electronics drive. During this event, you can drop off your used electronics at Alliant's Corporate Office. Then, PCs for People will securely and permanently delete all your data on devices before refurbishing the equipment to provide refurbished equipment to communities in need — right in your neighborhood! 


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