NCTA’s ‘Adoption Plus (A+) Program’: The Significance

The National Cable Telecommunications Association and Kyle McSlarrow must be commended for their creation, in partnership with both public and private sectors, the Adoption Plus (A+) Program, “a comprehensive pilot program to promote broadband adoption in low-income households with middle school-aged children”. The aforesaid program is the kind of cutting-edge solution to Broadband Adoption that can secure our students entrance into the broadband age as global economic competition continues to stride forward in the 21^st Century.

Key elements of the program include:

• A 2-year public-private partnership to encourage broadband adoption within the Middle School environment in assisting 3.5 million students and 1.8 million households

• Eligible to middle school students in grades 6 through 9 that are participants in the (free or reduced-cost lunch through the national School Lunch Program

• Requires school districts to provide digital media literacy training to eligible students

• Participating schools must qualify students for program entry

• Offers discounted purchase of computers for students through participating manufacturers

• Offers discounted broadband service through all NCTA/ISP provider members (50% off broadband service per month for 2 years, including 50% off modem purchase, and free broadband installation

The Adoption Plus (A+) Program is targeting low income students who have the disadvantage of not having access to a broadband connection and computer for home use. Studies have proven that the use of computer/broadband access to supplement educational resources produces significantly improved results in overall test scores of those students.

This clearly represents a serious move forward for the NCTA and cable industry in taking ownership of the needs of underprivileged children within our society to build a better educational partnership between the public and private sectors. Their creation and commitment to this program should be commended. For more information visit www.ncta.com.