Technology Assistance
Free & Low-Cost Tech Resources for Students
Campus resources and outside aid for students seeking assistance obtaining devices and access to the internet for free or at reduced costs.
Miramar Library Laptop & Calculator Loan Program
In need of a laptop or calculator for the semester? Request your laptop online or pick up in person! First come, first served while supplies last.
Eligible Miramar College students can borrow a laptop or calculator for all their learning needs for the semester. Students are allowed only one (1) laptop loan district-wide i.e., a student cannot receive a device loan from multiple campuses (City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges or the College of Continuing Education) at the same time / during the same semester. To qualify for a laptop checkout, you must meet the following criteria listed:
- Students must be enrolled in at least once class at Miramar in the semester you are wishing to borrow a device for, and
- Students must not have any outstanding fees, overdue balances, or holds on their account.
- Students must also provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, etc., along with your Student ID number at time of checkout.
For more information visit sdmiramar.edu/services/library. The Library is located on the second floor of the LLRC Building in L-200. Contact via email at librarymira@sdccd.edu or by phone at 619-388-7310.
Local Provider Low-Income Initiatives
Below are several San Diego area providers that offer low-cost internet. Find more information about each program here with links to external application webpages. Note: The information, including pricing and availability, below was current at the time this section was published, August 2022.
Access from AT&T - $0-30/mo.
Get FREE* internet with Access & the Affordable Connectivity Program If you’re approved for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you’re also eligible for Access. Plans up to 100Mbps. Ltd. availability/areas. Free internet subject to continued participation in the ACP and application of the ACP benefit to Access from AT&T plans. Get more information, check your eligibility, and apply here.
Features
- Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi®
- No annual contract
- No deposit
- Internet service for $30/mo. or less based on the maximum speed available at your address up to 100Mbps.*
*You’ll receive the maximum speed available at your address. $30 Access plan includes unlimited data for households with speeds up to 100Mbps. See offer details
Cox Connect2Compete - $9.95/mo.
Home internet is an essential tool for today’s education. Through Connect2Compete, Cox opens a world of opportunity for families with K-12 students by providing affordable, home internet with Wi-Fi®. Applicants may need to provide documentation for eligibility. No credit check or social security number is required to apply. Learn more and apply.
Features
- Up to 100 Mbps download speeds
- Free wifi modem rental
- EasyConnect self-installation at no charge
- No credit checks or deposit required
- Cox Digital Academy for educational resources.
Cox ConnectAssist - $30/mo.
Cox has several affordable plans that are great for households who are on a tight budget looking for reliable internet. This plan is ideal for up to 5 devices for moderate web surfing, email and social networking. To qualify for ConnectAssist, your household must currently participate in eligible income-based government assistance programs such as any of the following: SNAP, WIC, certain Public Housing, Pell Grant, Veterans Pension, Certain Tribal Programs, and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Check your eligibility here.
Features
- Up to 100 Mbps download speeds
- Free wifi modem rental
- Unlimited data plan for 12 months, removed at month 13 when 1.25 TB data plan will apply.
- EasyConnect self-installation at no charge
Spectrum Internet Assist - $17.99/mo.
Get affordable Internet with Spectrum Internet Assist. Qualified households can enjoy high-speed Internet at a special rate. To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of your household must be a recipient of one of the following programs and must upload proof of eligibility below:
- The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunch
- The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
- Supplemental Security Income (For Applicants 65+ Years of Age)
Note: The following programs do not meet eligibility requirements: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits. More information and application available here.
Verizon Lifeline - $0–49.99/mo.
Lifeline is a government assistance program that offers discounts to qualified low-income customers. Verizon offers Lifeline plans for home phone service and Fios Home Internet service.
Three Steps to Qualify for the Lifeline discount:
- Check to see if you or someone in your household qualifies for the Lifeline discount.
- Apply – Receive the fastest eligibility decision by applying online with the Lifeline National Verifier or you can also download the paper application and return it by mail, along with proof of eligibility (note: the paper application typically takes 1-2 weeks for eligibility decision).
- Contact Us - Once your Lifeline eligibility has been approved by the Lifeline National Verifier, contact us at 1-800-Verizon to select your service and begin receiving your Lifeline discount. Learn more about reduced rates for Fios Home Internet service.
If you qualify for the Lifeline discount service, you are eligible to receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill. Qualifications for the Lifeline discount program vary by state. Only eligible customers may enroll. Check eligibility, availability, and apply here.