The City of Burien is partnering with Highline Public Schools and Comcast to connect up to 1,500 eligible Highline students in Burien with free internet for 12 months.
Burien is directing $200,000 of the funds it is receiving through the federal CARES Act to help families without adequate internet access to get connected with Comcast.
“Our young people are the future of our city. COVID-19 has increased a ‘digital divide’ between many of our families. This funding will help provide adequate internet access for students to participate in school this year,” said Burien City Manager Brian J. Wilson.
Highline’s Chief Technology Officer Mark Finstrom said, “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Burien to help extend internet access to all our students for fall distance learning.”
More information about the program and eligibility is at highlineschools.org/internet.
Highline Public Schools is working with schools and families to ensure students have internet connections for fall distance learning. The school district is providing hotspots for students who live outside Burien or have unstable housing. Highline has a technology levy on the November ballot to help fund the purchase of additional hotspots and digital devices.
Individuals who would like to help all Highline students across the district have adequate internet access can connect with the Highline Schools Foundation to make a donation.