UScellular hotspot donations surpasses $1.3M to Tennessee nonprofits
November 16, 9:08 p.m.

UScellular donations surpass $1.3 million in wireless hotspots and service to Tennessee nonprofits
Eligible non-profit organizations encouraged to apply

After School Access Project; photo courtesy of USCellular

KNOXVILLE – To help provide equitable learning access and opportunities and keep local youth connected, UScellular has donated more than 1,068 wireless hotspots and 21 total years of service, valued at over $1.3 million, to nonprofits across Tennessee as part of its After School Access Project. UScellular’s After School Access Project provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and provides safe internet access for homework and education.

The hotspots provided to the nonprofits connect to UScellular’s wireless network to provide high-speed connectivity for youth while at the facilities and at the homes of members who check out the devices.

“Connecting people and communities is our mission and the After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping ensure youth have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams,” said Thomas White, director of sales for East Tennessee at UScellular. “We encourage Tennessee non-profit organizations to apply for this program and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America.”

UScellular donated hotspots and service to more than nine local nonprofits, including Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, YWCA of Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, Nourish Knoxville and Junior Achievement of East Tennessee to help youth connect to the internet. This year, UScellular donated to Tennessee Golf Foundation’s First Tee program, a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges, and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

“We work with over 630 community partners including food pantries, schools, churches and after-school programs to provide food, services and education to address the nutritional needs of all people at risk of hunger,” said Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. “Many of the clients we serve live in a ‘food and internet desert,’ meaning areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food as well as internet access. We are grateful to help overcome barriers to internet access, providing an opportunity for a brighter future with UScellular’s After School Access Program. ”

Since 2021, the company has donated more than $12 million supporting more than 100 organizations with hotspots and service nationwide. In early 2023, UScellular extended its pledge and committed up to $13 million in new funding to the program.

Non-profits that meet the following criteria can apply at afterschoolaccessproject.com:
• Certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• 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 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (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 the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to 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.