Giovanny Reyes

After moving to Chicago from California, Giovanny Reyes started at City Colleges of Chicago hoping to further his career. While studying marketing at Harold Washington College, he became aware of the digital divide that affects students.

Lacking internet access at home himself, Giovanny spent ample amounts of time on the computers at the library. However, once the library closed, he was left without internet access to complete assignments.

Then, Giovanny came across a flyer for Chicago Connected, a program designed to provide students with free home internet service. He traveled to Wright College Humboldt Park on a cold, snowy Saturday to attend the Chicago Connected sign-up event. To his relief, he was approved for free internet service.

Today, Giovanny can access free internet from the comfort of his own home.

“Chicago Connected is a wonderful service being offered to students to help students with the digital divide,” he said.

Additionally, through City Colleges’ Learn to Own Laptop Program, Giovanny now has a laptop that he can use both at home and at school. The program gives students the opportunity to borrow a laptop for a semester and keep it the following semester.