The Houston Independent School District will receive $1 million from the Moody Foundation to help close the digital divide by purchasing computers for HISD’s Achieve 180 students on some of the district’s underperforming campuses.

The funds will be used to purchase more than 2,000 devices for students in pre-K through fifth grade at schools where Achieve 180 program is in place. Achieve 180 is a research-based action plan to support, strengthen, empower, and increase student achievement in underserved and underperforming HISD feeder pattern communities.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous gift from the Moody Foundation, which will support our Achieve 180 students as we continue to adjust to the reality of virtual learning,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “Equipping all HISD students with technology is a significant step towards increasing education equity across the entire district.”

HISD has provided nearly 100,000 devices to its students in need and about 20,000 hot spots for internet connectivity. Thanks in part to community partners like the Moody Foundation.

“The pandemic has only further magnified the digital divide,” Moody Foundation Trustee Ross Moody said. “The Moody Foundation has a long history of supporting early childhood education to build opportunities for student success. Everyone deserves and should have the same level of access to education.”