03/23/2020- Nearly every student in our region is finishing up this semester at home in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and while technology has certainly made it easier for students to keep up on their coursework, there are some families without internet access who are now scrambling to find alternative ways to connect. That’s where one local internet provider is stepping in. Astrea has announced that due to the COVID-19 impact on schools in both Michigan and Wisconsin, they’re offering free high-speed broadband access for new K-12 and college student income-eligible households for 60 days. Officials with the company say in these unprecedented times the Astrea Connection Assistance Program is an opportunity to provide a vital connection so families can stay connected to educational resources as well as loved ones, healthcare, work and entertainment. The sign-up period for this program is limited and ends on March 31st. For program details, eligibility requirements and to access the application, families are encouraged to visit Astrea’s website.