Brooklyn Public Library and NOLO team up to provide internet to adult learners
BPL’s adult learning centers are critical for helping New Yorkers learn online
BPL and No One Left Offline are closing the digital divide in Brooklyn to help adults learn to read, write, and meet their personal goals
Brooklyn, N.Y. – September 29, 2021 – As the pandemic continues to disrupt day-to-day life, access to remote learning opportunities continues to be more important than ever. Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has transitioned its adult learning centers online to help expand access to these important educational opportunities while keeping community members healthy. Not all community members have the Internet service required to take advantage of these opportunities. For 90 residents, though, that’s about to change thanks to a collaboration between BPL, No One Left Offline (NOLO), and Devices for Students, a program of Spark.
In conversations between BPL, No One Left Offline (NOLO), and Devices for Students, the three organizations brainstormed innovative solutions to address gaps in internet access throughout the borough.
Together, the organizations, with financial support from Devices for Students, are collaborating to deploy mobile hotspots, each equipped with one year’s worth of complimentary high-speed internet for participants in BPL’s Adult Basic Education programming.
Free hotspots empower adults to develop key skills
NOLO’s internet will support BPL’s program to assist adults who are working to obtain their high-school equivalency (HSE) diplomas
“Without internet access students of all ages cannot connect to online learning, denying them the chance to develop skills to reach their full potential and earn well-paying jobs in innovative industries.” Jeremy Ney, Chief Executive Officer, No One Left Offline.
“We are immensely grateful to Devices for Students and NOLO for ensuring students on the wrong side of the digital divide can attend classes and complete assignments,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “With a reliable internet connection, BPL’s Adult Learning students will have the chance to learn essential skills and ultimately better their lives.”
“So often, adult learners are stranded and sidelined on the information superhighway, and this is a timely partnership for them to plug into online resources and experiences to give them a boost on their education and career pathways,” said Kerwin Pilgrim, Director of Adult Learning, Brooklyn Public Library.
NOLO’s Founder Kevin Frazier added, “This is exactly why NOLO formed – to amplify the great work of community organizations by closing the Digital Divide. We cannot wait to see how many doors are opened because of these students having no issues studying for and attending class.”
The all-volunteer NOLO team now includes students and young professionals across the country. The nonprofit has a simple goal: lower every barrier to Internet access. Rather than work through costly alternatives, NOLO works directly with community institutions to identify individuals with insufficient Internet and to then immediately deliver hotspots with Internet.
To donate to No One Left Offline’s efforts to close the Digital Divide, visit nooneleftoffline.org/donate. Just $63 is enough to provide a mobile hotspot to a member of the community.
