With school reopenings fast approaching, St. Louis County government granted $4 million to SLCL to garner remote learning resources for under-equipped area school districts (39 school districts benefited). Regional digital inequities have compounded. A March 2020 survey by SLCL found over 10,000 households in St. Louis County lacked internet access. The multifaceted nature of digital equity further complicates the issue — a student requires not only internet access, but also a device and quality educational resources.

SLCL worked closely with St. Louis County government and formed a committee of library staff to identify solutions and distribute devices to high-need schools. The county government selected SLCL for its past success with other digital equity projects, the infrastructures of which were adapted for DEI. Opting for a well-rounded solution, SLCL acquired 10,000 hotspots, 2,500 Chromebooks and a subscription to Tutor.com. Cataloging staff streamlined processing these items in four business days (12,500 items normally takes months).

Speedy distribution allowed more students to start the 2020/21 school year smoothly. St. Louis County announced the grant on July 23. Over 400 virtual tutoring sessions have been held since going live on August 24. Schools received hotspots in time for school. Due to supply shortages, Chromebooks are forthcoming and will immediately become school property once delivered. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance and local news outlets have recognized the Digital Equity Initiative’s success.