More than $28,000 in wireless hotspots, service donated to Scouting America Mississippi Valley Council

QUINCY — To help provide equitable learning access and opportunities and keep local youth connected, UScellular has donated 25 wireless hotspots and two years of service, valued at $28,150, to Scouting America Mississippi Valley Council as part of its After School Access Project.

UScellular’s After School Access Project provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youths after the school day has ended and provides safe internet access for homework and education.

The hotspots provided to Scouting America Mississippi Valley Council connect to UScellular’s wireless network to provide high-speed connectivity for youths while at the facility 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,” Mike Burwell, director of retail sales and operations at UScellular, said in a press release. “We encourage Illinois nonprofit organizations to apply for this program and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America.”

The mission of the Scouting America Mississippi Valley Council is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices during their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the UScellular After School Access Project,” said Kristal Pitzer, development director with the Scouting America Mississippi Valley Council. “Providing hotspots for our program has truly broadened the range of curriculum and activities we can offer to youths.”

UScellular has donated more than $23 million since 2021 supporting hundreds of organizations with hotspots and service.

Eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by going to www.AfterSchoolAccessProject.com. Each organization must:

• Be a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 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. UScellular has invested more than $47 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations since 2009.

For more information about the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, go to https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/.