Courtesy of the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District:
Over 100 households in the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District (ASJUSD) do not have access to the internet at home, making distance learning during the Shelter-in-Place order particularly challenging. The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista (Rotary SJB) and ASJUSD have formed a partnership to provide an innovative approach to providing all ASJUSD students with access to the internet. Equal access is one key element to the successful education of all students. Rotary SJB, established the Access Committee (Chaired by Phil Esparza), to help solve community internet accessibility during the COVID -9 Pandemic and beyond.
The collaboration between ASJUSD and Rotary SJB was formed to research technology solutions that could provide immediate relief for equitable access for the students in the District. The partnership between the two groups included a fundraising effort spurred by Rotary SJB Members for the purchase of SmartBus technology, which will equip multiple school buses with mobile routers providing internet access for up to 100-150 individuals within close proximity.
The District has procured the technology and is currently in pilot testing, with the official launch of the technology expected on Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Rotary SJB and ASJUSD have a long-standing relationship, and Rotary SJB will continue to serve both the District and our community. With Rotary’s motto being “service above self,” it is our greatest privilege to assist the District in this collective effort.
