Barrington 220 Wi-Fi program keeps kids connected over winter break

More than 500 Barrington Area Unit District 220 students are staying connected over winter break for free courtesy of the district's Project Horsepower program, which provides internet and Wi-Fi service to students who qualify for federal free and reduced lunch.

The program is a collaboration among Comcast, which provides its service and equipment at a reduced rate, the Barrington Area Development Council, which donates large amounts of money to fund the program, and the district, which covers the remaining expenses and helps sign families up for the service.

The program has been growing steadily since it rolled out for the 2013-14 school year, said Matt Fuller, assistant superintendent for technology and innovation.

In that time, the program's costs have risen from about $4,230 in its first year to $16,121 last year, Fuller said, a reflection of the growing number of students taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi.

Last month, the school board accepted a contribution of $20,000 from the Barrington Area Development Council to keep the program running.

In a video produced by the district in 2015, developmental council President Jack Schaefer said the organization got involved after learning that as many as four or five children in every District 220 classroom did not have internet access at home.

"We're thrilled about the development council giving us the funding," Fuller said. "It's amazing they were not only there for us in at the beginning but they have an ongoing relationship with us and are very committed to the program."

An additional benefit is that the internet can be used by anyone in the student's family, Fuller said. Horsepower equipment is installed in about 200 homes in the district.