Before the coronavirus pandemic, a reliable connection to the internet was essential for many of us. Flash forward to now, a reliable connection to the internet means access to healthcare, education, employment, customers, grocery delivery—essential for basic needs and income. Still, in Vermont, about 70,000 households and businesses either do not have internet connection or inconsistent, dated dial-up access.
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Vermont Afterschool Shares COVID-19 Resources for the Field
Vermont Afterschool is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that the children and youth in every Vermont community are able to benefit from the power of afterschool, summer learning, and third space programs during the out-of-school time hours. When Governor Phil Scott directed schools to close in mid-March and remain closed through the end of the semester, the day-to-day functions of afterschool and youth-serving organizations were severely disrupted. Luckily, organizations like Vermont Afterschool immediately kicked into action to support programs throughout the state.
"We don't know any better than anyone else what is ahead of us or how long the disruption will go on for, but we will do our best to offer up-to-date resources, ways to connect, and important things to know." Find all of Vermont Afterschool's COVID-19 resources here.
The Vermont Afterschool blog is also a great resource, highlighting inspiring stories from third space programs across the state as well as providing key information for program providers.