Program to Provide Internet Access for Low-Income Fairfax Families

More low-income families with children in Fairfax County may pay less for broadband access in their home thanks to the local launch of the Connect2Compete program.

“We are so excited to be announcing this initiative,” said Zach Leverenz, CEO of Connect2Compete.

“If you don’t have Internet at home…you are being left behind. And teachers are put in the position of having to choose whether to hold back some of the class or leave the others,” Leverenz said.

The program was officially announced Monday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Herndon. The national nonprofit Connect2Compete aims to offer discounted Internet access to households who have children that participate in the National Free Lunch Program.

They accomplish this through partnerships with Internet service providers, libraries and nonprofits, according to their website. Fairfax County’s program is being modeled after a similar service launched in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 2002.

“Our young people are our highest priority, and we want to make sure that in Fairfax County that all of our students have a level playing field,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said.

The broadband access will be provided through a partnership the organization has with Cox, which will offer the promotion for eligible families. Internet access will cost $9.95 per month.

For more information on the offer, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.