Adelphi University has been awarded the 2021 Digital Inclusion Grant from internet and software services provider Kajeet. The grant comes with the provision of free internet connectivity hardware and managed service on Kajeet's platform, Sentinel.
“Due to the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the reliance on technology for the average student,” said Avery Bourgeois, Adelphi’s director of budget and information technology operations, who applied for the grant on behalf of the University.
Bourgeois said he was encouraged to pursue the grant by Diann Cameron Kelly, PhD, associate provost for student success, who was concerned that “students without access to technology are more likely to drop out” of their programs.
“Access to technology tools should not be the limiting factor to the success of our students,” Bourgeois said. “Students in need of access to technology do not always feel comfortable approaching their advisers about their needs. These students will now be able to discreetly borrow an internet hotspot to have a reliable internet connection at home.”
Adelphi was among 85 organizations selected by an independent panel of judges to receive support from Kajeet in providing the communities they serve with access to remote learning, telehealth services and other vital online resources.
“Kajeet’s aim with the 2021 Digital Inclusion Grant program is to support equity-focused organizations in their efforts to close the digital divide in the communities they serve,” said Daniel J.W. Neal, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Kajeet, in announcing the winners.
Adelphi will receive 20 Kajeet internet SmartSpot devices that will be available at the University’s IT Help Desk on the second floor of Swirbul Library early in the fall semester.
The Kajeet grant is for a year, but Bourgeois said the service will be evaluated and possibly continued beyond that time. Adelphi is the only institution of higher education in New York to receive the grant.
Kajeet is a wireless provider offering internet connectivity as well as software and hardware solutions. It is available across all major North American wireless networks and globally in 24 other countries.