Yolo County Library has purchased 100 hotspots with unlimited T-Mobile data plans to help select Yolo County families gain steadier access to the internet for the 2020-21 school year.
To be eligible to participate in the program, an application must have a minimum of one child enrolled in a school located in Yolo County. Mark Fink, the Yolo County Library, told the Express that families who have opted to use a homeschool program and live in Yolo County may also apply if they do not have access to the internet at home.
Applicants are not required to have a Yolo County Library card to apply. But the library will provide an application if this is the case. Fink said the library will not collect documentation from applicants, and they will self-certify to their current circumstances.
How to Apply
To begin the application process, call the Yolo County Library at 530-666-8009 between 1-5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Applicants may also leave a message with their phone number and inquire to apply for the program so a library staff member can return their call. Library staff are able to assist in both English and Spanish. If applicants have a need for a different language, contact the library to make arrangements.
The deadline to apply for a hotspot is Sept. 25.
According to Fink, the following ranked criteria (1 highest need, 4 lowest need) will be used to select recipients for the program:
- The applicant does not have internet access where they live.
- The has a hotspot issued by a school from a service provider other than T-Mobile, and the device signal is very weak or nonexistent where they live.
- The applicant has more than one child enrolled at a school located in Yolo County.
- The applicant and/or their children are English Language learners.
Questions about the program or application process can be directed to 530-666-8009.
