NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, T-Mobile, Dell Technologies, and New York Yankees All Star Second Baseman, Jazz Chisholm, Jr., announced that 350,000 K-12 New York City Public Schools students will receive new internet-enabled devices for free during the 2025-2026 school year, as the Adams administration continues to bridge the digital divide and invest in a more affordable city for working-class New Yorkers.
The 350,000 students across the nation’s largest public school district will receive LTE or 5G connected Chromebooks with internet access and optimized educational programming to ensure they have the essential tools necessary to succeed in today’s digital learning environment.
The proactive, data-driven rollout of this program closes device access gaps in the most affordable way possible for working-class families and replaces outdated equipment that no longer meet current instructional and security standards, while ensuring students have keyboard-enabled devices vital for writing, researching, and completing class assignments.
As part of the Adams administration’s continuing efforts to bridge the digital divide, students will be able to use these cellular-connected devices to get online for free wherever they live.
The distribution of these Chromebooks was made possible by the Adams administration after the city came to an agreement with T-Mobile earlier this year to make them a major wireless carrier to support city operations while helping reduce the cost of wireless services for city government employees.
As part of the agreement, the 350,000 devices being distributed to students will come equipped with T-Mobile LTE or 5G access.
“Access to reliable technology and high-speed internet is a modern-day necessity, and, right now, too many New York City students don’t have it. That doesn’t just prevent progress inside the classroom, it limits opportunities outside of it — but our administration is changing that and providing our young people with free devices to stay connected in the 21st century,” said Mayor Adams.
“We know that too many families are still struggling with the cost of living and cannot always afford new, internet-enabled devices; that’s why, this school year, we are powering up education in our city by providing 350,000 New York City public school students with brand-new, LTE and 5G enabled Chromebooks. This initiative is another part of our continuing efforts to ensure students’ academic success, bridge the digital divide, and be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. Our administration will continue to work to build a better future for our children, and with this announcement, we are making sure that our young people have all the tools they deserve and the technology they need to go as far as their dreams will take them.”
“As a proud product of New York City Public Schools, I am a testament to the critical role technology access plays in helping our students reach their potential,” said CTO Fraser.
“Internet and computer access are essential educational tools both in the classroom and at home. This monumental initiative empowers students across the five boroughs, particularly those in schools with the greatest needs, and reaffirms the Adams administration’s unyielding commitment to bridging the digital divide. I commend Mayor Adams’ vision and leadership, and thank Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and our corporate partners, T-Mobile and Dell, for helping us to deliver this victory for the nation’s largest school district.”
“As our students graduate into an increasingly connected and tech driven world and workplace, New York City Public Schools is proud to be taking steps to close the digital divide and set our children up for lifelong success,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos.
“LTE and 5G-enabled devices mean that no matter what kind of internet access a student has at home, they’re still able to log on and take advantage of every educational opportunity available to them as we continue to move our city in a more equitable direction.”
“Every student deserves a fair shot at success — and in today’s world, that starts with having reliable connectivity and the right tools to learn,” said Mo Katibeh, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile Business Group.
“New York City’s initiative to deliver leading connectivity to 350,000 kids doesn’t just help close the digital divide — it opens doors to opportunity, equity, and brighter futures for families across all five boroughs. And, as the major wireless carrier for New York City, we’re thrilled to be a part of this initiative.”
“We believe technology has the power to be truly transformative when it’s placed in the hands of those shaping the future,” said Pete Trizzino, president of global sales modernization and GTM, Dell Technologies.
“Equipping 350,000 New York City students with internet-enabled devices is about far more than just providing laptops, it’s about unlocking potential, fueling curiosity and ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed. The work we’re doing with the city, its Office of Technology and Innovation, New York City Public Schools and T-Mobile is empowering the next generation to learn, grow, lead and innovate in building a brighter tomorrow.”
“Education is the foundation for everything, and making sure kids have the tools they need to learn and dream big is something I care deeply about,” said Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees All Star Second Baseman. “That’s why I’ve been involved in efforts to uplift youth through sports and education through my foundation, the Jazz Chisholm Foundation, and it’s why I’m proud to see programs like this bringing real opportunities to students right here in the Bronx. When our kids win in the classroom, the whole community wins.”
Personal computer devices, such as Chromebooks, are a necessity, not a luxury, for today’s public-school students and are essential to New York City Public Schools’ foremost academic, accessibility, and equity goals.
The rollout of 350,000 devices over the coming months will focus on meeting the needs of students who require keyboard-equipped devices for academic instruction and assessments. Regular device usage will prepare students with 21st-century skills, including typing, online research, and responsible internet use.
The Chromebooks will support Google Workspace, New York City Public Schools-approved apps, and state assessment platforms — all of which are central to the school system’s digital curriculum. Devices will allow seamless learning between school and home, regardless of students’ locations. This will be particularly important for students in temporary housing or those living in under-connected communities where home access to a computer may be limited.
“Advancing digital opportunity for New York City students is essential to improving learning outcomes and empowering the next generation to do great things,” said Joe Simone, senior vice president of education at CDW.
“We’re honored to work alongside Dell, T-Mobile, and the City of New York to help scale technology access and empower communities by providing these tools and support that will help keep students and their families connected and engaged while accelerating skill development and economic growth across the city.”
