Centene, alongside AT&T, Connected Nation, Dell Technologies and Intel, are providing laptops and internet hot spots to youth in foster care in Florida and Missouri.
The companies are providing over 1,000 computers and 2,200 hot spots to agencies across the two states in an effort to bridge the "digital divide," according to a Sept. 20 news release.
The digital divide refers to inequities sown by a lack of internet access, according to the release. In response, the K-12 Digital Divide Program looks to provide internet access to connect children with digital education, telehealth and other services.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of reliable access to the internet due to the shift to remote learning," said Brent Layton, Centene president and COO. "We believe that by providing children in foster care communities with reliable access to proper equipment and the internet, we can help to bridge the digital divide."