The Tech Equity program is an effort to create more equitable access to technology and tech skills for City Colleges of Chicago students, preparing them to enroll, complete a college credential (certificate or degree), launch, or advance their careers, and contribute to an inclusive Chicago economy.

The Tech Equity program provides qualifying students with internet connectivity through the Chicago Connected program, laptops through the Learn to Own Laptop program, and digital literacy courses needed to thrive in learning environments and workplaces that require a familiarity with technology to be successful.

Chicago Connected was an initiative between City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago to provide free, high-speed internet service to students and their families throughout the city. This innovative program eliminates a barrier to learning – access to technology – that disproportionately hurts the city’s low-income families and students of color.

Qualifying City Colleges students were eligible to receive internet at no cost through the Chicago Connected Program, whether or not they were graduates of Chicago Public Schools. The Chicago Connected Program provided students with free internet service with download speeds of at least 50 Mbps (and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps). Students who successfully enrolled in the City Colleges’ Chicago Connected Program received free internet service through either Comcast or Astound (RCN), and could remain eligible for continued service for up to three years in total if they remained enrolled at City Colleges in future terms.

Due to meeting the program’s capacity, the Chicago Connected Program application is closed.

As part of City Colleges of Chicago’s Tech Equity programs, the Learn to Own Laptop program provided eligible students the opportunity to earn a free laptop if they enrolled as credit students across two consecutive Fall and Spring terms. If students did not complete the requirements to earn their laptop, it converted back to a loaner laptop and students were expected to return the laptop to their IT department when requested.

The Learn to Own Laptop Application is no longer available. However, students can apply for CCC’s Loaner Laptop program in their student portal (my.ccc.edu).

City Colleges of Chicago offers credit and non-credit courses that prepare students with digital skills.

Find a credit program in the City Colleges’ academic catalog here.

Find a continuing education (non-credit) course here.

Other digital supports and resources:

Through the Chicago Connected Program partnership, anyone can access the tools and resources that they need to build their skills with computers. Check out a variety of guides, toolkits, and practice testing materials that cover a suite of digital programs and skills at https://www.cps.edu/strategic-initiatives/chicago-connected/digital-learning-resources/.

Contact the City Colleges Tech Equity Team:

• techequity@ccc.edu