More Than $1 Million Donated in Oklahoma Since 2021 Through After School Access Project

After donating more than $1 million in wireless hotspots and connectivity to nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma since 2021, UScellular is extending its pledge to help connect youth in 2023. Nationally, the company is committing up to $13 million in new funding to address the “homework gap” among youth who lack access to reliable internet outside the classroom in the United States. 

UScellular’s After School Access Project provides mobile hotspots and two years of service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and offers safe internet access for homework and education. To date, the company has donated more than $12 million supporting over 100 organizations with hotspots and service nationwide. Most recently, it has made a donation of 565 hotspots — a value worth $636,190 — across four Oklahoma City organizations. 

“We are excited to continue partnering with UScellular to help Oklahoma students finish their homework and continue their learning outside of the classroom,” said Rachele Eskridge, director of community engagement for YWCA Oklahoma City. “These resources help the clients we serve to break down the barriers they face and allow them to pursue endless opportunities for personal and educational growth.” 

Many nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma have benefitted from After School Access Project, including the most recent donations to: 

● 400 hotspots to YWCA, Oklahoma City 
● 80 hotspots to Seas the Day, Oklahoma City 
● 60 hotspots to Freedom City, Oklahoma City 
● 25 hotspots to KidsCode2, Oklahoma City 

“We are thrilled to continue our commitment to connect youth here in Oklahoma to what matters most,” said Jeff Heeley, director of sales for UScellular in Oklahoma. “After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping students have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams. We encourage Oklahoma nonprofit organizations to apply and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America.” 

Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are welcomed to apply at afterschoolaccessproject.com: 
- Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations 
- Operate within UScellular’s service area 
- Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade 
- Not a school or government entity 

UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is committed to connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators each year with the resources they need today to help shape future opportunities. Since 2009, UScellular has invested more than $35 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations across the country. 

For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/ 
 

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.