MILWAUKEE — Thanks to a partnership between the state of Wisconsin and Waterford.org, qualifying MPS students and families could receive free internet and a computer to help with academics this school year.
Waterford.org Upstart, a pilot program funded by the state, is working to eliminate the state's achievement gap by reaching out to Wisconsin's youngest learners.
They are offering assistance to low-income families with 4-year-old children in several school districts across the state, including Green Bay Area Public School District, Racine Unified School District, Milwaukee Public Schools, Lac du Flambeau #1 School District, North Crawford School District, and Siren School District, Waterford.org said in a press release Tuesday.
Many students in the state have already started to use the program, but Waterford.org said they still have hundreds of more spots to fill.
“Wisconsin has the worst racial achievement gap in the nation, and this program should help address this issue,” said Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Assembly Committee on Education Chairman and the lead Assembly author of the legislation establishing the funding for Waterford.org Upstart.
“Our kids are falling behind. The achievement gap in too many school districts is appalling,” said State Senator Alberta Darling, lead Senate author of the legislation establishing the funding for Waterford.org Upstart. “Innovative programs like Waterford.org Upstart will help us close the achievement gap and help provide a solid base for children to show up ready to learn when they reach kindergarten.”
The deadline to register for Waterford.org Upstart is approaching, Waterford.org said in their press release. Parents can sign up their preschool-aged child for this at-home, no-cost program by calling 1-888-982-9898 or by logging on to WaterfordUpstart.org.