SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The SAISD Foundation’s #ConnectCampaign has received two $50,000 gifts from two long standing supporters; Wells Fargo and the San Antonio Area Foundation. The San Antonio Area Foundation gift is from a grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund, a community fund jointly managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation and the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. The fund is comprised of nearly 30 caring businesses, donor advised funds, philanthropic foundations, and government entities (see below for full listing).

The SAISD Foundation launched the #ConnectCampaign to raise funds to support the critical need of closing the digital divide in San Antonio by working alongside San Antonio ISD (SAISD) to increase access to technology devices and internet access for SAISD students to stay connected and engaged with their teachers and classmates through remote learning now extended through the end of the school year.

“Wells Fargo recognizes the importance of internet connectivity for students and families, especially during unprecedented times like now when schools are closed and students must rely on online learning due to COVID-19,” said Region Bank President Joe Atkinson. “We are proud to support the efforts of the SAISD Foundation and San Antonio ISD to ensure that all students are able to continue their education while at home, and also remain connected to their teachers, school staff, and fellow students.”

To date, SAISD has issued more than 40,000 electronic devices (Chromebooks and iPads). SAISD had a three-year goal of 1:1 technology, and in response to COVID-19 school closures, this goal was accomplished in three weeks. The SAISD Foundation’s #ConnectCampaign is focused on raising the funds needed to support monthly Wi-Fi access for 4,000 hot spots so all students can connect with their teachers, classmates and distance learning resources on those devices. “Since nearly all of the district-issued hot spots are now activated and are in use in the homes of our students, funding is more critical than ever,” explained Judy Geelhoed, Executive Director of the SAISD Foundation. “We are grateful for partners like Well Fargo and the generosity of the San Antonio Area Foundation Covid-19 response fund donors; who are stepping up in a big way to close the digital divide and connect students in the online learning setting.”

The results are already visible. “The stories we receive from educators about students who have reconnected in these recent weeks are powerful.” Geelhoed said.

To learn more about the SAISD Foundation’s efforts please visit: www.saisdfoundation.com/donate.

About the SAISD Foundation: As a 501 (c) 3 public charity, the SAISD Foundation motivates the community to invest in teacher and student success and in doing so invests approximately $4 million dollars a year in classrooms, schools and district programs.

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