By CRYSTAL BIRNS
Cruzio Sales and Marketing Manager Jesus Lopez in Cruzio’s server room. When coronavirus forced schools online in March, the digital divide was highlighted in a new way, and the need for reliable internet in student’s homes became critical. Cruzio partnered with the County Office of Education, Pajaro Valley School District and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to develop a plan to expand coverage by offering free and subsidized plans.
Equal Access Santa Cruz was born, with a vision of bringing high-speed internet to every family in the Santa Cruz community, regardless of income level. Demand has been overwhelming. As project lead, this effort is a personal one for Lopez. The child of migrant farmworker parents, he grew up on the Central Coast and is familiar with many of the challenges faced by the families he now works with. His passion and ability to bridge language and cultural divides have been pivotal to the project’s success.
Learn more at equalaccesssantacruz.com.
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Equal Access Santa Cruz 