The Tech Equity program is an effort to create more equitable access to technology and tech skills for City Colleges of Chicago students, preparing them to enroll, complete a college credential (certificate or degree), launch or advance their careers, and contribute to an inclusive Chicago economy.
The Tech Equity program provides qualifying students with internet connectivity through the Chicago Connected program, laptops through the Learn to Own Laptop program, and digital literacy courses needed to thrive in learning environments and workplaces that require a familiarity with technology to be successful.
Learn more about the eligibility and application process for our programs today!
Questions? Contact us using the following emails:
- Chicago Connected | chicagoconnected@ccc.edu
- Learn to Own Laptop | techequity@ccc.edu
- Digital Literacy | techequity@ccc.edu
CHICAGO CONNECTED PROGRAM
About
A Groundbreaking Program that Provides City Colleges Students with Free Internet Access
Chicago Connected is an initiative between City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago to provide free, high-speed internet service to students and their families throughout the city. This innovative program eliminates a barrier to learning – access to technology – that disproportionately hurts the city’s low-income families and students of color.
Qualifying City Colleges students are eligible to receive internet at no cost through the Chicago Connected Program, whether or not they are graduates of Chicago Public Schools. To see if you are eligible, please see the Eligibility Criteria below or submit your application today. The Chicago Connected Program provides students with free internet service with download speeds of at least 50 Mbps (and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps). Selected participants in the program should ensure that these internet speeds meet their household’s service requirements.
Students who successfully enroll in the City Colleges’ Chicago Connected Program in the 2023-24 academic year will receive free internet service through either Comcast or Astound (RCN) until at least July 31, 2024, and can remain eligible for continued service beyond that date for up to three years in total should they remain enrolled at City Colleges in future terms.
“There is no better time than now and no better place than community colleges to prepare for careers in a post-pandemic economy. City Colleges is committed to eliminating barriers, such as a lack of technology access, that prevent Chicagoans from starting and finishing college.”
– Juan Salgado, Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago
The Extension: Continuing free internet service for CPS graduates who attend City Colleges of Chicago
CPS graduating seniors from the Classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023 formerly enrolled in Chicago Connected through their CPS high school and who choose to attend City Colleges of Chicago in the fall immediately following their CPS graduation will be provided with free extended internet service for up to three years with consecutive annual enrollment at City Colleges or upon completion of a CCC degree, whichever happens first.
How To Apply
How to take advantage of Chicago Connected
The Chicago Connected application is available in the CCC student portal
If you are a graduating senior of CPS (Chicago Public Schools) who enrolled in Chicago Connected during high school, or a City Colleges student who lives within the City of Chicago interested in receiving free internet service, follow these steps to apply:
To enroll at City Colleges of Chicago for in-person or online classes, go to: www.ccc.edu/apply.
City Colleges Tech Equity team is here to support students interested or enrolled in the Chicago Connected Program. If you have any questions or want to request help on applying to Chicago Connected and completing its requirements, email ChicagoConnected@CCC.edu to connect with a Tech Equity staff member today!
Eligibility
Full Eligibility Criteria: Chicago Connected
Students who graduate from Chicago Public School as well as non-CPS graduates who attend City Colleges of Chicago can receive up to three years of free connectivity service through this program.
To be eligible for the program, students must be:
- Enrolled in the Fall or Spring term
- Enrolled in a credit program
- Enrolled in at least 3 credit hours
- Complete CCC’s financial requirements by fulfilling at least one of the following:
- Complete a current FAFSA or RISE application
- Setup a payment plan
- Pay in full
- Enrolled past the 10th day of the session to maintain their eligibility
- Live at (or receive internet service to) a primary address within the City of Chicago city limits
- Meet at least one of the following criteria: live within a high-poverty and/or low-connectivity-access zip code; qualify for federal assistance programs; be a recipient of the Federal Pell Grant
- Does not have current internet service with Comcast or Astound that exceeds the Internet Essentials or Affordable Connectivity Plan
Additional Information
Additional Resources and Information
Video Overview of the Chicago Connected Program
LEARN TO OWN LAPTOP PROGRAM
About
As part of City Colleges of Chicago’s Tech Equity programs, the Learn to Own Laptop program provides eligible students the opportunity to earn a free laptop if they enroll as credit students across two consecutive Fall and Spring terms. If students do not complete the requirements to earn their laptop, it converts back to a loaner laptop and students are expected to return the laptop to their IT department when requested.
How To Apply
Interested students should apply to the program through their student portal at my.ccc.edu, under “announcements” in the Fall semester. The Learn to Own Laptop program is offered on a first come, first served basis to eligible students.
Once a student successfully completes Fall semester and stays enrolled in Spring semester, a participating student will be offered the laptop to own.
Eligibility
- Be a current credit student at City Colleges of Chicago
- Enroll in and earn at least 6 credit hours during the Fall 2023 term AND enroll in at least 6 credit hours for the Spring 2024 term until at least April 1, 2024.
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours and will complete their credit program by the end of the Fall 2023 term
For any questions or concerns regarding this program’s eligibility, please contact the Tech Equity team at techequity@ccc.edu.
Eligible Students:
For any questions regarding laptop pick up instructions or technical difficulties please contact your campus’ IT Department.
Video Overview of the Learn to Own Laptop Program
Contact the IT Department
Loaner Laptops
If you need a laptop and don’t qualify for Learn to Own, you can still borrow a laptop through City Colleges’ Loaner Laptop program. Click here to learn more about how to borrow a laptop computer from City Colleges.
DIGITAL LITERACY
City Colleges of Chicago offers credit and non-credit courses that prepare students with digital skills.
Find a credit program in the City Colleges’ academic catalog here.
Find a continuing education (non-credit) course here.
Other digital supports and resources:
Through the Chicago Connected Program partnership, anyone can access the tools and resources that they need to build their skills with computers. Check out a variety of guides, toolkits, and practice testing materials that cover a suite of digital programs and skills at https://www.cps.edu/strategic-initiatives/chicago-connected/digital-learning-resources/.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Contact the City Colleges Tech Equity Team:
- Chicago Connected | chicagoconnected@ccc.edu
- Learn to Own Laptop | techequity@ccc.edu
- Digital Literacy | techequity@ccc.edu