Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has schools within the School District of Philadelphia starting virtually, the PHLConnectED initiative has a new way to help K-12 students’ households without internet access to get connected and stay informed about the upcoming school year.

By dialing or texting 211, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s 24-hour social services hotline, families can now access info on school programming and referrals to sources that can help their households get online. The addition of this resource comes by way of a partnership with the City of Philadelphia.

“We’re thrilled to launch the PHLConnectED hotline and get our students ready for digital learning,” said Mayor Jim Kenney in a statement. “We know that many families need internet access, so we’re eager to get started connecting them as quickly as possible. PHLConnectED is a critical step in bridging the digital divide in Philadelphia.”

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