LULAC Council 5238 to help Latino families in Summit connect to internet

LULAC Council 5238 will host weekly events on Thursdays beginning June 9 at Summit Public Library to help eligible local Latino families enroll in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.

The Village of Summit, Argo Community High School District 217, Summit Community School District 104, and Latinx Digital Leaders Now are proud to partner to offer much-needed broadband assistance to enhance how Latinos learn, live, and thrive in today’s digital society.

“I’m thrilled about this partnership specifically to promote digital equity in Latino communities with many initiatives being launched in Summit and other Hispanic neighborhoods in Illinois,” says Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Founder and President of LULAC Council 5238 and of Latinx DLN.

At a time when being able to get online at home is essential for work, school, healthcare, and more, the ACP helps eligible households get connected by providing a discount on monthly internet service. Households can receive up to $30 a month off internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

A household may qualify for ACP if at least one member meets at least one of the following:

●  Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines

●  Participates in a federal assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline

●  Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

●  Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision

●  Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year

●  Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

This program is crucial to helping communities across the country bridge the digital divide and is particularly relevant for the Latino community. According to a 2021 Pew Research Study, only 67% of Hispanic adults reported owning a computer, compared to 80% of white adults, and only 65% said they have internet service at home, compared to 80% of white adults.

In November, LULAC and Heartland Forward announced a partnership to lead on-the-ground advocacy and enrollment efforts to help connect Latino households to affordable internet. The collaboration includes $50,000 in funding for LULAC to support its local councils across the heartland for grassroots outreach and enrollment activities. LULAC COUNCIL 5238 is a proud recipient of funds from this partnership

The weekly events will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Thursdays, June 9, 16, 23, and 30.