Phoenix Named a Finalist for All America City 2022 Award
PHOENIX, AZ – The National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading named the city of Phoenix as a finalist for the All America City 2022 award, where this year’s theme is “Housing as a Platform to Promote Early School Success and Equitable Learning Recovery.”
According to City Hall, the city’s dedication to improving digital equity and transforming non-school places and spaces into learning-rich environments has landed Phoenix on the list of finalists.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Phoenix committed to providing resources to community members in underinvested areas and public housing areas to ensure that educational and digital needs received high-level support.
Through various partnerships, the city distributed more than 12,000 laptops to 15 public school districts, many of which serve families in public housing communities. In addition, 1,600 tablets were distributed directly to families for home learning, and to seniors to help with telemedicine and other things.
“We faced a stark reality, only 31% of households in these communities had access to broadband. We knew we could play a powerful role in helping students continue their studies despite the difficult circumstances. By equipping them with the right tools and devices, we helped children adapt to a new and challenging learning environment at home,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
In 2017, Phoenix was selected as a ConnectHome community through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The city has been working to connect families in public housing with affordable internet service, devices and digital skills training.
Also, during the pandemic, the percentage of Phoenix students passing the third grade reading test dropped to 25%, which is the lowest score in seven years. In response to declining literacy rates, the city accelerated efforts to ensure that students remained connected to essential educational resources.
Efforts included equipping Read On Phoenix tutors with digital devices and skills so they can continue to work with students, which earned Phoenix recognition as a Bright Spot Community by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in 2020.
The All-America City 2022 award winners will be announced during a virtual event taking place July 18-22 in conjunction with Grade-Level Reading week. Phoenix has been honored with the All-America City designation five times in 1950, 1958, 1980, 1989 and 2009.
Source: MEXICONOW Staff