By Chicago Times Magazine –
August 22, 2025
According to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Connected program, a joint effort by the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to continue providing free internet access to over 40,000 students will be extended for the 2025–2026 school year. The program is funded by the City of Chicago and aims to address the digital divide.
The Chicago Connected program, which began in 2020, has served more than 200,000 CPS students over five years by offering no-cost broadband or hotspot service to eligible families. Johnson stated that the investment is crucial for ensuring students have the necessary tools for academic success. Additionally, the new funding will allocate up to 1,200 cellular smartphones to students in temporary living situations who are considered unaccompanied youth. These devices are intended to provide both internet access and a means of communication for this at-risk group.
The Chicago Connected program has received support from city officials who highlight its role in promoting educational equity. Interim CPS Superintendent Dr. Macquline King described the program as an essential support system for students and families. Proponents argue that in an increasingly digital world, access to reliable internet is a fundamental necessity for homework, research, and staying connected to school resources.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of such publicly funded programs. Opponents of the program argue that while the goal is commendable, relying on city funding for individual internet access may not be the most efficient use of taxpayer money. They suggest that alternative solutions, such as improving public Wi-Fi infrastructure or offering one-time grants for technology purchases, might be more effective in the long run. Additionally, questions have been raised about the privacy and security of data for students using the provided devices, particularly for unaccompanied youth. Critics also contend that while digital access is important, it does not solve underlying issues such as teacher shortages, outdated school infrastructure, or inequities in curriculum, and could be seen as a way to avoid addressing these more complex problems.
Another viewpoint suggests that a focus on physical, supervised locations could be a more equitable and cost-effective approach. Proponents of this view argue that rather than funding private internet plans, the city could enhance existing public resources. For example, students could be encouraged to spend more time at their physical school buildings after hours to utilize the campus’s high-speed internet, where they could also receive direct support from teachers or school staff. Similarly, the extensive network of Chicago Public Library branches already provides free computers and Wi-Fi access to anyone with a library card. Libraries also offer a quiet, distraction-free environment conducive to studying and homework. This approach, they argue, not only provides internet access but also promotes engagement with community resources and provides a more structured environment for learning.
