Battle Creek Times

Battle Creek Central High School issued the following announcement.

We’re excited to announce that through a new partnership with Comcast and the Battle Creek Community Foundation, BCPS families now have access to a program offering FREE high-speed home internet to those who qualify. The Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership program will provide free equipment and high-speed home internet for qualifying families for up to 12 months.

This is a fantastic opportunity for families to ensure that your student can take full advantage of virtual learning, both for students who are engaging in temporary remote learning and for students enrolled in Virtual Academy.

Does my family qualify?

The Comcast Internet Essentials program is a great option for your family if you meet the following criteria:

• Qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others.
• Live in an area where Comcast internet service is available. If you are unsure, please enter your zip code here.
• Have not had Comcast internet in the last 90 days.

If you owe money to Comcast from a previous contract, you still may be eligible if you are approved before Dec. 31, 2020. If you’re not sure if your family qualifies, please reach out to your school’s Communities in Schools Site Coordinator for more information (see list below). You can also email the BCPS Family and Community Engagement Coordinator at fmcgee@battlecreekpublicschools.org.

How do I sign up?

Start by contacting your school’s Communities in Schools Site Coordinator:

• Ann J Kellogg Elementary: Wendy Glass, wendy@cismichigan.org
• Battle Creek Central: Anastasha Outman,anastasha@cismichigan.org
• B.C. STEM Innovation: Michael Pettis, michael@cismichigan.org
• Dudley STEM: Zena Perry, zena@cismichigan.org
• Fremont International Academy: Stefan McCoy, stefan@cismichigan.org
• LaMora Park Elementary: Monique Altman, monique@cismichigan.org
• Northwestern Middle: Nyesha Wilson, nyesha@cismichigan.org
• Post-Franklin Elementary: Ashley Gilland, ashley@cismichigan.org
• Springfield Middle: Mariama Wurie, mariama@cismichigan.org
• Valley View Elementary: Joscelyn Heath, joscelyn@cismichigan.org
• Verona Elementary: Melissa Butler, melissa@cismichigan.org
• Virtual Academy: virtualacademy@battlecreekpublicschools.org
• W.K. Kellogg Prep: Jennifer Williams, jennifer@cismichigan.org

After speaking with a CIS Site Coordinator, you will receive a promotional code to use while completing the online application on the Comcast Internet Essentials website and will then await approval from Comcast. To take advantage of this free program, it is important that you reach out to a CIS Site Coordinator to receive the promotional code before applying. Applying is quick and easy — and many families receive instant approval! If you need help at any time, please contact your Site Coordinator or the Comcast Essentials helpline at 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376).

What if I have a BCPS Hotspot?

If you currently have a BCPS hotspot and would like to apply for the free Internet Essentials program instead, you will need to return the hotspot. Start by contacting the CIS Site Coordinator from your student’s school and letting them know you would like to switch.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please reach out to your CIS Site Coordinator (see list above) or email the BCPS Family and Community Engagement Coordinator at fmcgee@battlecreekpublicschools.org. For Spanish assistance, please call (269) 419-1978. For Burmese assistance, please call (269) 601-6029.

Original source can be found here.