IN THIS EPISODE:

In partnership with Comcast, the City of Houston announced the launch of “Lift Zones” in an effort to reduce the digital divide and allow more students to successfully participate in distance learning. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, several school districts have reported losing contact with children since the initial closures of schools in March. How it will work:In an effort to reconnect low-income families to the internet, Comcast announced plans Monday to equip nine City of Houston Community Centers with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2020. The spaces will allow students to work on laptops simultaneously so they can participate in distance learning. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years, according to the city’s website.

Two Houston-area high school students, Ford Lancaster and his friend, Adam Desroches, decided they want to raise money for laptops to help underprivileged students set themselves up for success. Russell Westbrook was their inspirationLancaster is a senior at Stratford High School. Desroches is from St. Thomas Episcopal High School. “The backstory is they were actually inspired by Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets ... his partnership with Comp-U-Dot,” said Cristal Cervantes, student support manager at Spring Oaks Middle School. “My big takeaway when I sat and thought about what these boys did is they provided hope, in the form of these devices.”

HOUSTON – Remote Learning in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic has put the issue of digital inequality in the spotlight. For students learning remotely, being able to connect to the internet without having issues is so important. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia recognized the need and responded by creating study zones with free WiFi access to help bridge the gap that exists for so many families. North Shore Rotary Pavilion and Clear Lake Park, Landolt PavilionStudents and families interested in using either of the two locations must first register with Harris County Precinct 2. A mobile library, part of the Harris County Public Library System is on-site with free books, Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Shore and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clear Lake

Claudia Aguirre came to the United States with her parents when she was 8 years old. Now as she leads Houston’s largest nonprofit agency she says it her story is very much a part of the agency’s 112 year old legacy. That’s Baker Ripley.” From rent relief to ease evictions to feeding senior citizens, Baker Ripley is on the front lines during this pandemic. Find out more in this week’s Houston Newsmakers EXTRA with Claudia Aguirre and see the rest of her interview on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. Watch Houston Newsmakers Sunday mornings at 10:30amMore Information:Claudia Aguirre, President, CEO Baker Ripley· Website: https://www.bakerripley.org/· Phone: 713-667-9400· Twitter: @BakerRipley· Email: caguirre@bakerripley.orgGaby Rowe, Project Lead, Operation Connectivity· Website: https://www.growassociatesllc.com· Website: https://bit.ly/2PQW6Ko· Phone: 281-900-9717· Email: gaby@growassociatesllc.com]STRONGER HOUSTON, The Digital Divide, Reporter Re’Chelle Turner· Website: https://www.click2houston.com/topic/stronger_houston/