Digital Policies

Bridging the Digital Divide

The digital divide is real. More than 15 million K-12 students lack access to reliable broadband or devices, and 400,000 public school teachers lack broadband. Up to three in ten teenagers lack the access they need to broadband and devices to complete homework assignments.

Digital polices include several related policy issues, such as digital access, adoption, affordability, equity, and literacy. A comprehensive approach to state digital policies in these areas is necessary to ensure students, families and educators receive equitable access and can participate in meaningful digital learning experiences.

Stakeholders within, and outside, the education ecosystem play an important role in advancing digital policies and need to work together to build solutions and policies to bridge the digital divide.

Digital Policy Framework for States

To bridge the digital divide and fully leverage digital resources, ExcelinEd has identified four key policy areas for state leaders to focus on. For quick reference, resources related to these topics are available in a digital policy toolkit that is regularly updated as ExcelinEd identifies and develops new resources.

What They Are Saying

“If we are serious about economic justice and economic equity, then we need to create a digital footprint that allows everyone access to broadband.”

Governor Jeb Bush

Founder and Chairman, ExcelinEd

“We cannot have a nation where students are sitting outside of a Taco Bell to get access to the internet.”

Larry Irving

President and CEO Larry Irving Group

“Students need access to the internet, edtech and related digital skills training not just to prepare for success in college and careers, but also to become strong digital citizens who can wield technology to improve their lives, communities and country.”

Divya Sridhar, Ph.D.

Former Policy Director, Digital Equity

No single solution, policy or process will bridge the digital divide. These strategies are not designed as steps in a process, but instead as part of the larger digital equity ecosystem. States can use these strategies and the resources provided here to build on existing policies, create new initiatives and more.

Customizable Resources

We have designed these graphics you can share promoting the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the federal subsidy for home broadband.  Your office, agencies and school districts can add your logos to these flyers and share them on social media and via email. 

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