In an effort to ensure Hillsboro School District students can access the District’s distance learning options under the stay-at-home orders, the District and Comcast’s Oregon/SW Washington region have announced a business partnership providing up to 650 Hillsboro families in need of internet connectivity access to it, free of charge.

The District is taking advantage of Comcast’s Internet Essentials, a program designed for low-income families and individuals to acquire access to the internet. In response to the Covid-19 epidemic, Comcast is offering two free months of internet access to qualifying low-income families that apply before June 30. The District is purchasing an additional four months of service, enabling six months of free internet access.

“We are excited to enable free internet connectivity to many of our students and families in need,” said school superintendent Mike Scott. “It is more important than ever that we make every effort to remain connected to our students who rely on us for not only academics, but also essential needs and social and emotional supports. This partnership allows us to stay connected to our students who need us most.”

Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway said he appreciated the partnership that Comcast enabled with the school district. “As a former educator myself, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program fills a critical need in the community, ensuring that our students can keep up with their school assignments, and remain in contact with their teachers and friends.”

“During this unprecedented time, it is vital for Oregonians to stay connected to the Internet – for education, work, and personal health reasons,” said Comcast’s Marion Haynes, Vice-President of External Affairs for Comcast Oregon/SW Washington. “We’re proud to partner with the Hillsboro School District to help get kids connected through our Internet Essentials program.”

Since its inception in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 52,000 low-income households in the Oregon/SW Washington region. The regular cost for Internet Essentials is $9.95 per month.

Interested families are encouraged to learn more about the Internet Essentials program via the link above, and talk to their school counselor about enrolling. Anyone who would like to contribute to the District’s sponsorship of Internet Essentials for students is asked to please contact Hillsboro School District chief communications officer Beth Graser at graserbe@hsd.k12.or.us or 503-844-1772.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Hillsboro School District

Hillsboro School District is the fourth-largest public school district in the state of Oregon with 35 schools serving more than 20,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 who reside in the cities of Hillsboro, North Plains, and parts of Cornelius, Aloha, and Beaverton. They are committed to supporting each student’s academic and personal growth in safe and inclusive environments; and strive for educational excellence by engaging students in a challenging, relevant instructional program that prepares them for success in post-high school studies or the world of work.