PORTLAND – After donating more than $742,000 in wireless hotspots and connectivity to nonprofit organizations in Maine since 2021, UScellular is extending its pledge to help connect youth in 2023. Nationally, the company is committing up to $13 million in new funding to address the “homework gap” among youth who lack access to reliable internet outside the classroom.

UScellular’s After School Access Project provides mobile hotspots and two years of service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and offers safe internet access for homework and education. To date, the company has donated more than $12 million supporting over 100 organizations with hotspots and service nationwide, according to a release from the company.

Many nonprofit organizations in Maine have benefitted from After School Access Project, including two locally, Alfond Youth & Community Center in Waterville and Capital Kids at the Augusta Teen Center.

“We are thrilled to continue our commitment to connect youth here in Maine to what matters most,” said Tabatha McKay, area vice president/general manager for UScellular in New England. “After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping students have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams. We encourage Maine nonprofit organizations to apply and help us bring reliable wireless internet access to youth across America.”

Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are welcomed to apply at afterschoolaccessproject.com.