HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Students struggling to access WiFi in order to engage in virtual learning and families who cannot access food distribution centers for free meals will receive a boost via a $1.3 million investment to support Howard County Public School System families and students.

The $1.3 million investment will consist of:

• $750,000 for the Howard County Scholars Program to provide in-person instruction to selected middle school students.

• $450,000 to reduce the Digital Equity gap by providing free internet services for families in need, expanding broadband services, and providing additional public WiFi hotspots.

• $100,000 to improve food access with free meal deliveries to those who cannot access food distribution centers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all of us. As a former educator and father to two public school students, I know firsthand that making sure our children receive a quality and rigorous education virtually is very challenging