Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Brandon Johnson Extend Chicago Connected Program For 2025–26 School Year
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced that the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will be extending the groundbreaking Chicago Connected program for the 2025-2026 school year. This extension will ensure that over 40,000 CPS students continue to have access to free, high-speed internet at home. The decision to extend the program was made possible through renewed funding from the city and reaffirms the administration's commitment to digital equity and educational access for all.

Originally launched in 2020, Chicago Connected has provided reliable home internet access to more than 200,000 CPS students over the past five years. This program has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide and supporting learning both in and beyond the classroom. By offering no-cost broadband or hotspot service to eligible families, it has helped students stay engaged, complete homework, and access vital online resources.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of this program in ensuring that no student in Chicago falls behind due to lack of internet access. He stated, "This investment in Chicago Connected ensures that students have the tools they need to thrive. It's about equity, opportunity, and making good on our promise to support every child in every neighborhood."

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The Mayor's new funding for the upcoming school year will provide up to 1,200 cellular smartphones to CPS students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) program who are listed as "unaccompanied youth." This group of students, who live without parents or guardians, is considered one of the most at-risk subsets of STLS students. These smartphones will serve as a critical resource by providing readily available internet access, daily survival applications, and a vital means of communication.

CPS Interim Supt/CEO Dr. Macquline King expressed gratitude towards the City of Chicago for their support in keeping this lifeline open for families as they begin a new school year. She stated, "Chicago Connected has become an essential support system for CPS students."

Launched in 2020, Chicago Connected is one of the largest and longest-lasting efforts in the nation to close the digital divide for K-12 students. The program was initially provided through partnerships with local internet providers and community organizations but has now been sustained through CPS's partnership with the City of Chicago. To learn more about this program, visit cps.edu/chicagoconnected.

Filed Under: Government, City
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