Drake State distributes Wi-Fi hotspots to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary families

HUNTSVILLE — Drake State Community and Technical College distributed Wi-Fi hotspots to families at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.

This initiative is part of the college’s ongoing efforts to address broadband access challenges in underserved communities, made possible by a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program. 

The distribution event underscores the importance of reliable internet access for educational success and community advancement. Many families in the area face barriers to reliable broadband, a critical need in today’s digital world for students, professionals, and families alike. This initiative is designed to help close the digital divide and increase accessibility to essential online resources, from education to employment opportunities.

“Access to reliable internet is a necessity for success in education, especially for students and their families,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “By distributing these Wi-Fi hotspots, we are not just providing a service; we are empowering families to thrive in a digital society.

“At Drake State, we are committed to helping our community grow, and this initiative is just one way we are fulfilling that promise.”

The hotspots are part of a larger initiative funded by the NTIA grant aimed at expanding broadband access to underserved areas in Huntsville and surrounding communities. With these efforts, Drake State and its partners are working to bridge the gap for students and families who may face connectivity challenges at home.

“The ability to access the internet is essential for our students’ academic growth and their families’ ability to stay connected to important digital resources,” said Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Principal Cheryl Askew. “By providing these Wi-Fi hotspots, we are giving our students the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“We’re excited to partner with Drake State on this initiative as we create new ways to support the students and families that we serve.”