MAISA is proud to partner with the State of Michigan to launch MiConnect.
MiConnect is the shorthand name for the projects contained in the Device Purchasing Program/Distance Learning CRF Grant. This grant is a broader part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act, Public Law 11-136.
MiConnect is made up of three projects, all centered around covering expenditures that were incurred by districts due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease. The State allocated twenty-five million dollars to support this work, which will make a meaningful difference in the resources available to students during this difficult time.
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Device Purchasing: Technology efforts in response to COVID-19 have demonstrated the need for schools across Michigan to increase the number of devices available to students for use at home and at school. This portion of MiConnect will provide a rebate for each device purchased through the REMC SPOT process, making an affordable, efficient, and competitively-bid device even more accessible.
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Connectivity: There is no single solution that can realistically provide consistent and reliable access to every household in the state, but MiConnect will work with Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) to provide funding to expand access to distance learning and connectivity. Allocations are adjusted based on financial need, geographic location, and CARES funding already received.
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Cybersecurity: Technology efforts in response to COVID-19 have demonstrated the need for schools across Michigan to continually grow their cybersecurity practices in order to protect student information and secure our networks from active threats. To support these efforts, MAISA will work with the Michigan Educational Technology Leaders (METL) to build on the “Essential Cybersecurity Practices for K12” by creating online professional learning courses and providing them at no cost to Michigan educators through EduPaths.
During the week of October 12th, 2020, MAISA, in partnership with REMC and ISDs across the state, will be sharing further details of the MiConnect project. A project website, application materials, regional allocations, and FAQs will all be available by week’s end. We will then share communications with our ISDs and ask them to roll out the process to all Michigan schools as it becomes readily available.
All of us at MAISA are grateful to the State of Michigan for prioritizing the needs of students and educators in the planning of CARES funding. Also, a huge thank you to our ISDs for helping coordinate these efforts statewide. These funds will support connecting Michigan students and help provide the resources they need to be successful during this time.
MAISA Team
