As the 2020-2021 academic year begins amid a pandemic, the city of Peoria has developed the WiFi Access for Student Success Program to help students with remote and hybrid models of learning.

 “Since this pandemic started, the City of Peoria has been laser focused on finding new and meaningful ways to support the ever-changing needs of our residents,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat in a news release. “We know every bit helps and this program is one more way that we can bring value to Peoria families and students as they adapt during this unique time.”

Developed by the Peoria public libraries, this pilot program was funded in part by AZCares and provides free mobile hotspots to K-12 students in Peoria who do not have adequate Internet access. More than 200 hotspots with 50 gigabytes of high speed Internet on Sprint’s 4G LTE network were purchased and are available for students and their families to use. A parent or guardian can check out the device at the Peoria Main Library or Sunrise Mountain Library with an active library card. They will need their student’s school ID number and to sign a checkout agreement form. Each family can check out one hotspot for four weeks and renew it up to four times. 

"During these unprecedented times we have had to find ways to provide services differently," said Nathaniel Washburn, Peoria library services manager. "The WiFi Access for Student Success Program is the answer for those students who do not have adequate Internet access for remote learning, bridging the digital divide for families in Peoria."

 Additionally, many local Peoria businesses are offering space for those students who need it and families can work with them individually to make arrangements. For more information about the program, curbside service or library contact information, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/library.