Citywide Classroom: School City of Mishawaka Expands Internet Accessibility

by enFocus

“enFocus Fellows are focused on seeking stakeholder input and utilizing best practices which leads to better project outcomes. We are lucky to have an organization focused on attracting and developing talent to support educational initiatives in our community.”--Matt Modlin, Director of Technology, School City of Mishawaka
Matt Modlin (left) and Carlos Centellas (right) together at enFocus’ annual Impact Celebration presenting on the launch of their partnership through Citywide Classroom.

Background

Citywide Classroom is a collaborative partnership to expand connectivity resources typically found in South Bend and Mishawaka classrooms into neighborhoods and homes of students. Citywide Classroom was initially launched in South Bend mid-pandemic to provide  internet connectivity to approximately 30% of students without reliable access in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Citywide Classroom provided and continues to provide free at-home services to 4,200+ South Bend students without adequate internet connection.

Opportunity

Like the neighboring South Bend Community School Corporation, School City of Mishawaka (SCM) educates students who lack at home internet access. SCM is a K12 district serving more than 5,000 students. Approximately 15% of students lack home internet to complete school assignments and educational learning outside the classroom.

Engagement

With federal funding, School City of Mishawaka partnered with enFocus to expand Citywide Classroom to SCM students in September of 2022. Through the program, enFocus helped identify high-risk students in their system, coordinated outreach, and provided hotspot connectivity to the homes of 590+ Mishawaka students and their families.

Results

  • In addition to SCM’s federal funding, enFocus helped secure funding support through a $10K private foundation grant
  • Developed a relationship with SCM school technology department to support the efficient distribution of Citywide Classroom hotspots
  • Identified and prioritized high-risk students to conduct outreach and provide internet connectivity to support virtual learning
  • Distributed 273 hotspots to supply connectivity to 590+ students

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