NYC partners with T-Mobile and Dell to give 350,000 students free laptops with internet access

New York City officials are making a major push for digital access to students as they announced plans to distribute 350,000 internet-enabled Chromebooks to public school students across 1,700 schools, as per a report.

NYC Launches Massive Chromebook Distribution for Students

NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos shared the news at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, joined by city technology leaders, corporate partners, and members of the community, as per a Fox 5 report.

T-Mobile and Dell Partner with NYC for Education Technology Push

The program is a partnership with T-Mobile and Dell and is focused on making sure students, especially those in high-poverty schools and temporary housing, have what they need to succeed in school for their academic success, as per the Fox 5 report.


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Built-In LTE Chromebooks Aim to Close Internet Access Gap

The Chromebooks come with built-in LTE access, so students can use them even if they don't have Wi-Fi at home, as per the report. The devices will be distributed over the course of the school year, with schools that have outdated technology and students with the most need receiving them first, according to the Fox 5 report. Each student will get to keep their device through graduation, reported Fox 5.

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Priority Distribution to Students Without Reliable Tech at Home

NYC officials highlighted that reliable internet and up-to-date technology are now essential for both classroom learning and long-term opportunity, as reported by Fox 5.

Mayor Adams said, "This is a monumental investment in our young people’s potential," who noted that the city’s proactive rollout will be guided by data to reach the communities that need it most, according to the report.

T-Mobile executives described the city's initiative as a “game changer,” and students said that the laptops would help them learn and take on more responsibility beyond the classroom along with new opportunities for their success, as per Fox 5 report.

Chancellor Aviles-Ramos also highlighted that the initiative bridges the digital divide and prepares students for long-term success, according to the report.

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NYC's Broader Push for Digital Equity and Broadband Access

The four-year program is part of a larger city effort to expand broadband access, including previous work to bring free high-speed internet to NYCHA residents, as reported by Fox 5.

Leaders said the goal is to make sure that students’ success depends on their effort and opportunity, not their zip code, according to the report.

FAQs

Who is getting the Chromebooks in NYC?
Public school students across 1,700 schools, with priority given to those in high-poverty areas or temporary housing.

Can students keep the laptops?
Yes, students will keep their devices through graduation.