By: Ashmar Mandou

City of Chicago recently announced the extension of Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Chicago Connected program and the Chicago Park District’s Citywide Broadband and Digital Equity.

“We’re grateful for the generous support from Mayor Johnson and our many partners that is allowing our District to continue providing this critical resource to those families currently enrolled in Chicago Connected as well as our students in temporary living situations,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “This is what it looks like to break down barriers to education for those most in need. Internet service supports learning and parents’ connection to our schools’ faculty and leaders, paving the way for our students and families to succeed.”  Both programs are focused on extending free Internet access to disinvested communities, serving more than 40,000 CPS students and 60 parks across the South and West sides of the city.   

In an effort to expand Wi-Fi services, the Chicago Park District launched the Citywide Broadband and Digital Equity Initiative to implement public Wi-Fi at 60 parks in South and West side neighborhoods. The new system makes free broadband access available to Park patrons and extends service beyond the perimeter of a park to the immediate community with antenna signals reaching 100-200 yards, according to CPS.  

The Park District is currently in the first phase of installation, having completed indoor broadband improvements at 27 of 60 park fieldhouses. Beginning in the fall of this year, the District will execute the second phase of the project, focused on outdoor areas of the parks. The third and final phase, scheduled to begin in winter 2025, will refresh existing Wi-Fi connectivity at 100 additional park locations. Park locations were selected based on a number of factors, including the prioritization of parks in South and West side communities with limited broadband access and locations with larger fieldhouses. A few of the park locations include, Humboldt Park, Austin Town Hall, Douglas Park, Garfield, and Ogden Park. For the full list, visit www.chicago.gov.

The one-year extension of Chicago Connected will apply to all families who are already enrolled in the program. These families will automatically have their free Internet access extended through June 30, 2025. In addition, students in temporary living situations (STLS), including our new arrival families, may apply for enrollment in Chicago Connected through their schools.