Mayor Kate Gallego and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman Expand Laptop and Hotspot Lending Program for Phoenix Residents in Need

With funds from the American Cares Act, the Phoenix City Council last year provided funds to the Phoenix Public Library to loan out laptops and hotspot devices for residents in need.

On June 4, 2021, at an event at the Burton Barr Central Library, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman of the Arizona Department of Education and  Mayor Kate Gallego of the City of Phoenix, along with City Librarian Rita Hamilton and College Depot Director Judy Reno, announced a partnership that would double the original technological aid  (425 additional laptops and 200 hotspot devices) to qualifying Phoenix residents.

The Arizona Department of Education is allocating approximately $800,000 from American Rescue Plan funds toward this technological expansion.

Of this partnership and the impact on the Phoenix Community, Mayor Gallego, in a press release from her office, said:

“Access to WIFI and a computer is a necessity for those studying or applying for college, job seekers looking for employment, and seniors accessing telehealth services or staying connected with family. This partnership with the Arizona Department of Education will allow us to double the size of the lending program, reserve half of the laptops and hotspots for students, and allow for summer and semester-long lending.”

Superintendent Hoffman, in the same press release, relayed:

“Over this past year, every student and family has learned just how essential reliable technology is to students’ success. The City of Phoenix has displayed tremendous leadership by providing students the tools they need to learn and grow. I look forward to continued collaboration between the City and the Arizona Department of Education to best leverage American Rescue Plan funding to support students and families.”

On social media after the event, Superintendent Hoffman posted:

Today, @MayorGallego and I celebrated the laptop & hotspot lending program expansion through @azedschools partnership with @CityofPhoenixAZ & @CollegeDepot at Burton Barr Library. Our investment will double the program's size and reserve laptops & hotspots for students in need. pic.twitter.com/mb2r7dYDiQ

— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) June 4, 2021

This is a positive example of how local and state governments can forge effective partnerships that help those in need climb the socioeconomic ladder and move communities forward.