Longmont to provide free NextLight to low-income schoolchildren

LONGMONT — A new program, “Sharing the NextLight,” is helping low-income children have access to internet services.

Sharing the NextLight provides a free NextLight connection to qualifying low-income Longmont families with children in the St. Vrain Valley Schools. The families would receive free symmetrical 25-megabit connections to their homes, along with combined modem/ wireless routers. The program is a collaboration between the Longmont Community Foundation, Longmont Power & Communications and Longmont Children, Youth and Families.

The first 20 families will start receiving services in March. To be considered, families will apply to Longmont Children, Youth and Families. Qualifying families must live in Longmont, have children attending K-12 in the St. Vrain school district and receive free or reduced lunch assistance.

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Empowering communities

Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP), part of the UnitedHealthcare family, has pledged its commitment to uplift these communities through substantial investments in organizations addressing the distinct needs of our communities.

The Longmont Community Foundation aims to raise $60,000 by July 1, which would support 100 families to be served for the 2019-2020 school year.

Anyone who wishes to support the program and help reach those goals can donate by going to www.longmontfoundation.org, clicking on “Donate” and selecting “Sharing the NextLight.”

“Sharing the NextLight fits so well with our mission of improving the community for all,” Eric Hozempa, director of the Longmont Community Foundation, said in a prepared statement. “Sharing the NextLight will help low-income students use the technology tools they need and not run the risk of falling behind their peers. We’re honored to play a part in helping these families succeed.”