City will loan iPads to students as school shifts to online-only

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said the city will provide internet access to all students. Photo via Mayor’s Office/Flickr

By Rachel Vick

The city’s Department of Education is working to ensure all public school students have access to adequate internet and computer technology as the entire school system shifts to online learning amid the COVID-19 outbreak. But first, families must apply to receive web devices through an online request form.

The city will loan students internet-capable iPads to conduct classes and complete their schoolwork.

Many Queens neighborhoods are particularly affected by the digital divide— as many as 43 percent of households in Jamaica, Hollis and St. Albans do not have internet access, according to a 2019 report from Comptroller Scott Stringer.

The form asks for contact information and the student’s current access to the internet and technology. It also asks about their living situation, with specific questions about homeless shelters, NYCHA housing, foster care or if their family is living somewhere other than their own home.

Information on how to access the survey will be distributed at grab-and-go meal sites to ensure families of all connectivity levels are included, said a DOE representative.

Priority is given to those who need the resource the most, and there is a limit of one device per student. If accepted, the DOE will reach out through the contact information provided with next steps.

The survey will be available in nine languages and those who cannot fill it out online can call 718-935-5100.

iPad distribution starts this week, and remote learning goes live on Monday, March 23.