MONTGOMERY, Ala. — NOTE: The above-video was originally aired on Aug. 17, 2020.
Governor Kay Ivey announced on Dec. 28 that she has extended the Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students program into 2021.
The extension comes after a new COVID-19 relief package was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.
As Alabama schools continue to use virtual and hybrid in-person/virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic, families currently benefiting from ABC for Students can continue their service through the program. According to the Governor's Office, the new relief package included an extension into 2021 of the federal deadline for states to spend CARES Act funds allocated earlier in 2020. The current funding is anticipated to cover the costs for current participants through the spring semester of 2021.
“Alabama has led nationally with this innovative program via CARES Act funding to ensure that students can participate in distance-learning during the pandemic,” Governor Ivey said. “I am extremely grateful to President Trump and Congress for including the funding extension, and most of all, I am pleased that we will continue to offer this assistance to the families who are signed up for the program. My hope is that this extension is welcome news for both parents and students during an unusual and difficult school year.”
The statewide initiative is being managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs which is working with its partner, CTC Technology & Energy, to notify participating internet service providers of the extension for current program participants with the goal of minimal disruption in service.
Ivey's office says that updated information for current participants will be posted in the near future to the program website at www.abcstudents.org or they may call the toll-free hotline at (888)212-4998.
In fall of 2020, as many schools were adjusting their education programs, families that qualified for the National School Lunch Program received vouchers to cover the cost of equipment, installation and internet service through 42 providers that partnered with the state for the program.