Students may qualify for free internet
Aug 7, 2020Free internet access will be provided to 25 Rockingham Community College students who are enrolled in at least 9 credit hours and meet other eligibility criteria.
The deadline to apply for the grant is Aug. 18.
The College is sending a message to eligible students, so be sure to log in and check your RCC email account for information and the link to apply.
Students may apply for free internet if the following criteria are met:
• Must have filled out a FAFSA application (If you have not completed the FAFSA application, please visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to complete the FAFSA Form.)
• Must be an RCC student with a minimum of 9 credit hours
• Must not currently have Spectrum Internet as your internet provider
• Must be in the Spectrum service area
• Must remain a student at RCC during the 10-month eligibility period or internet will be terminated
• If chosen, you must sign an Internet Service Agreement
Each student chosen will have Spectrum internet installed at their home, with service provided for up to 10 months. Service will end on July 31, 2021. Students may continue service after that period by assuming responsibility for all charges.
RCC Technology Specialist Cheryl Evans said, “We know from surveys administered to our students that nearly 30 percent of those who attend RCC do not have access to reliable high-speed internet. This grant is a fantastic opportunity for us to assist students in getting internet access in their homes and show our continued commitment to our students during these unprecedented times.”
Mary Gomez, director of RCC’s Library Services and Archives, agreed.
“We hope that by providing broadband service to students who otherwise could not afford it, we can aid in their transition to online classes and enhance their academic success,” she said.
“The James Library provides students with access to a multitude of journal articles, ebooks, and streaming video to support our academic programs,” Gomez continued. “We also offer online chat with librarians for those who need more personalized assistance.”
The funds for this nearly $10,000 grant are provided through a partnership between the State Library of North Carolina CARES Grant and Rockingham Community College. The grant assists students in accessing digital resources and online assistance from RCC’s Gerald B. James Library as well as transitioning to online classes at RCC.
This program was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246551-OLS-20).
