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Belonging & Inclusion

Bridging the Digital Divide: Universal Connectivity Imperative for K-12 Education

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PT
Location: 502 / Cowlitz
Belonging & Inclusion

Target Audience: Superintendents & Senior Cabinet leaders (CBO/CFO/CAO/CTO/CIO); IT Manager/Network Administrators; Instructional/Educational Technology Leaders

SETDA will present findings from the January 2025 Universal Connectivity report and highlight case studies of successful connectivity projects across the country.

The Universal Connectivity Imperative (UCI) builds upon the research and insights of SETDA’s previous reports, including “The Broadband Imperative III: Driving Connectivity, Access and Student Success” and “2024 State EdTech Trends.” UCI provides a comprehensive analysis of the current K–12 digital access divide, as articulated in the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Educational Technology Plan; explores the progress made thus far; and identifies emerging challenges that demand our attention. Informed by input from federal, state, and local government leaders; researchers; nonprofit organizations; industry representatives; and K–12 students and teachers, the report presents a road map for policymakers and education leaders, offering evidence-based strategies and best practices to continue bridging the digital access divide and ensure all learners have equitable, universal access to internet connectivity.

Key Take Aways:

  • Understand the current state of internet access in K-12 education as detailed in the "Universal Connectivity Imperative" report.
  • Identify successful strategies and initiatives implemented by states to address the unmet need for home internet access.
  • Develop actionable steps for policymakers, educational leaders, and stakeholders to promote universal connectivity and close the digital access divide.