• District offers public chance to help fund internet access for students

    mifiBellefonte Area School District is offering the public the chance to help fund student internet service. It’s an initiative encouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many students do not have access to reliable broadband or internet services at home, and may be learning remotely through Bellefonte eLearning Academy or the hybrid student learning option for the 2020-21 school year. This effort will also help the district provide FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education – that guarantees students within the district have equal opportunities in education.

    Director of Fiscal Affairs Ken Bean said the district is purchasing 25 MiFi wireless routers for potential use of students who cannot afford internet service. Donations will go toward offsetting district costs to purchase the device, in addition to a monthly fee acquired with it.

    Any community member with an interest in supporting students to they can have internet services at home, which supports their education, may write a check to Bellefonte Area School District. In the “memo” section of the check, you may specify it’s for student internet service. The district has a specific procedure to make sure contributions go to students who need it the most.

    For more information, contact Bean at (814) 355-4814 ext. 3015.