K-12 Connect Internet Program

Dear Families,

Because of COVID-19, South Dakota's K-12 schools are using distance learning on a regular basis. Some students do not have access to their schoolwork at home because of a lack of internet connectivity. The K-12 Connect program provides free internet service to eligible K-12 students in their homes for the 2020-21 school year.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible households must meet all of the following requirements:

If these requirements are no longer met, your household will not be considered eligible.

Eligibility Form

HOW TO ENROLL

Eligible households will receive a letter indicating eligibility and identifying the appropriate telecommunications company to call in order to access free internet service through this program. Letters were mailed October 26.

To enroll, call the telecommunications company noted in your letter to set up service. Participating telecommunications companies will install the necessary equipment on a first-come, first-serve basis. Installation will occur as time and available equipment allow. Eligible students who live in more than one home will be provided connectivity at their primary residence.

Internet service will be provided through June 30, 2021. After that time, the household must return equipment to the internet provider OR continue services at the household's expense.

If you have not received a letter, but believe your household is eligible, please call (605) 773-3248 or email k12connect@state.sd.us.

Enrollment closes November 20, 2020.

To see which provider is available in your area, click on this map and type in your address https://sdbit.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ccd16c24bf804c1fa67d50373d100464.

OTHER OPTIONS

Households that do not qualify for the K-12 Connect program may qualify for the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program. Lifeline provides eligible subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers. Apply by visiting https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline.

If a household meets the K-12 Connect eligibility requirements outlined above, but there is no internet availability in the area, the household may be able to access a hot spot through this program. Call (605) 773-3248 to inquire.

Sincerely,

Brett Mellem, Superintendent