Tempe Offers Free Chromebooks, Hotspots To Eligible Residents

Press release from the City of Tempe:

April 30, 2021

Tempe Public Library, in partnership with the City of Tempe’s Human Services Department, is launching Connect Tempe, a pilot program that will distribute dozens of free Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots to students and residents in need.

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, libraries and other public places where members of the community can access computers. This created a “digital divide” for many low-income residents including students and older adults. Connect Tempe will offer eligible Tempeans a Chromebook and hotspot on a first-come, first served basis for a period of 5-months.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Current Tempe resident (K-12 student or adult 50+)
• No accessibility to Wi-Fi to meet the needs of the household
• Household income at or below 300% of federal poverty level (view chart here)
• Tempe Public Library card
• Google account will be needed to fully utilize Chromebooks

Those interested in the program must complete an online loan form to begin the request process. Apply here. Applications will be accepted until all Chromebooks have been checked out.

This program is part of the Economic Recovery and Workforce Development Recovery Initiative and is funded through the AZCARES initiative.

Learn more at tempepublibrary.org/ConnectTempe.

This press release was produced by the City of Tempe. The views expressed here are the author's own.