Providing Access to Technology and Education with Crown Castle’s Connected by Good Program

When you think of technology access, you may not focus on the bandwidth that is fueling your device comes from cell towers, rooftop antennas, small cells, and fiber networks we see across our communities. Without those devices, our phones and Wi-Fi-enabled devices would not be able to work.

Crown Castle is the nation’s largest provider of shared communication infrastructure that brings 5G closer to families every day. Their commitment to our community goes beyond building a reliable communications infrastructure — they partner with community organizations to provide access to technology resources and high-quality, hands-on learning and mentoring activities.

Recognizing the important role STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) experiences have in the learning journey of a young person, Crown Castle has an unwavering commitment to investing in partnerships that bring equitable access to STEM learning in underresourced communities. This pledge came alive when Crown Castle’s talented team of professionals volunteered at Thriving Minds After School program sites to facilitate mentoring activities and teach the fundamentals of shared communications infrastructure in a hands-on, meaningful way, utilizing Lego replicas of the infrastructure they build and operate.

“By helping students learn about the communications infrastructure that powers their phones and game systems, we are able to ignite excitement about STEM and teach them about possible careers and opportunities.”

“Crown Castle is committed to advancing access to education and technology through our Connected by Good program, and by partnering with Big Thought, we are able to engage with Dallas-area students in a purposeful way,” said Malcolm Eve, Public Affairs Manager for the South for Crown Castle. “By helping students learn about the communications infrastructure that powers their phones and game systems, we are able to ignite excitement about STEM and teach them about possible careers and opportunities.”

Crown Castle has also invested in helping Big Thought pilot new delivery models for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) instruction and programming, focusing on the shifting needs of youth, families and educators. These delivery model pilots include the early development of challenge-based learning activities that empower young people to find STEAM solutions for everyday challenges.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept our communities and changed the world as we knew it, barriers to technology were exacerbated when we needed access the most. Crown Castle responded by donating 60 laptops to be utilized by Big Thought’s Direct to Youth Programs team.

Big Thought’s long-term partnership with Crown Castle has enabled us to work towards closing the opportunity gap for North Texas youth.