COVID-19 RESOURCES
This page highlights a collection of resources you may find useful during COVID19.
Feel free to also check out our regular collection of suggested programs and resources for individuals and families on our School & Community page.
These links will show you how to set up your Chromebook for the first time and show you where to find your settings. You will see how to personalize your new device to suit your needs. This includes how set your background image, connect to your other Google accounts, upload and edit pictures, and much more.
PCs for People provides affordable computers and low-cost internet eligible individuals and nonprofits.
BPS is providing Chromebooks to BPS Student who do not have consistent access to a computer at home. Complete the chromebook request form on this page.
City of Boston's page contains information and resources on connecting to the Internet and accessing technology resources, including discounted internet plans for low-income residents and information from Internet Service Providers about offers and support for current internet subscribers in response to COVID-19.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on society, multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during this challenging time. EveryoneOn has updated its low-cost internet service options tool to reflect these changes.
Comcast provides low-cost internet to eligible individuals (includes families with public school students). Once you are an Internet Essentials customer, you have the option to purchase a laptop or desktop computer at a discounted price.
Click here for more information about Comcast's internet options during COVID-19.
Message from Comcast: "We have a massive backlog of calls as our volume is unprecedented. We are trying to get this message out to people as much as possible that the simplest, fastest, and easiest way to the apply for the program is from their mobile device at www.InternetEssentials.com.
A teacher or instructor might use Zoom to teach online. If you have a Chromebook you can download the Zoom App and join a meeting without an account. If you make an account you can also use Zoom to video chat with family and friends for free.
You can also use Zoom on any computer, tablet or phone. Visit the download Zoom page and look for the installation link for your particular device.
A nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers. Includes daily schedules for students ages 2-18 to keep them learning.
Free distance learning plans for K–2 students and their families. Help kick-start learning at home with easy-to-use, customizable packets.
Navigate social distancing and school closures with quality media and at-home learning opportunities for your kids. Includes Understanding COVID-19 news coverage, How to stay calm for yourself and your kids, Learning at home and homework help, What to watch, read, and play.
Recursos educativos sobre la vida digital. La educación es la llave para abrir más puertas y oportunidades. Las familias latinas están conscientes y están tomando un rol cada vez más activo en la educación de sus hijos. En esta sección encontrarás dos juegos interactivos gratuitos, consejos sobre tecnología y un programa entero llamado 'Conectando Familias' que puedes usar con otros padres en las escuelas de tus hijos.
WGBH, in partnership with the MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education and WGBY/New England Public Media, has organized a special collection of educational resources by grade (PreK—12) and subject area. Find videos and activities that support learning at home in the WGBH Distance Learning Center; Educational videos and activities are fully translated into Spanish here; and PBS Kids for Parents offers 8 indoor activities to release kids’ energy as well as advice for talking to children about coronavirus.
Free online courses on a variety of topics. Includes topics such as language learning, reading, social media, google docs and other programs for school, work and play.
Northstar is making their Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) unit on Basic Computer Skills available publicly for a period of time to serve those who may be unable to access services in public locations due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Zoom is a great program to use for instruction. You can share your screen with your students and access other features. Zoom works on multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Chromebooks, tablets and phones.
Zoom Recorded Trainings: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360029527911
Zoom Live Trainings: https://zoom.us/livetraining
How to find great learning resources for your students during school closures and recommendations on the best tools for virtual learning. Including: Getting Ready for Virtual Learning, Communicating with Families, Core Subject Resources, Using Video, Collaboration and Discussion, Student-Led and Interest-Based Learning, and Free Resources.
This dynamic Experience platform is packed with over 190,000 assignable, editable activities and resources for K-12, based on core curriculum concepts and popular topics in math, science, social studies, ELA, and health. Whether you’re looking for fun videos, interactive activities, or complete, ready-to-use lesson plans, Discovery Education Experience has everything teachers want and students need to enhance virtual learning.
A temporary hub of information and tools to help teachers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. From Google UNESCO, UNESCO IITE, and ISTE
Un centro online temporal de información y herramientas para ayudar a los profesores durante la crisis del coronavirus (COVID-19). Escrito por Google UNESCO, UNESCO IITE, y ISTE
The City of Boston, in partnership with Project Bread, YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and other community organizations, will provide free meals to all youth and teens at various locations and times across the City. Visit webpage to see updated information on site locations and pick up times.
City Life/Vida Urbana's page includes an emergency hotline, letter template to landlord or bank if you can't afford rent, and information on eviction freezes and court updates.
Do you need help buying fresh, nutritious food? You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
Tutorial by Techboomers on how to use Instacart to have groceries delivered to your door. Watch the video on the YouTube link above and then download the Instacart App for Android or iPhone.
Shop Walmart.com for Every Day Low Prices on groceries and essentials. Free Shipping on Orders $35+ or Pickup In-Store and get a Pickup Discount.
Shop Target online and in-store for everything from groceries and essentials to clothing and electronics. Free shipping on orders $35+ & free returns or free same-day store pick-up, plus free & easy returns.
Prime is $5.99/month* for qualifying customers with an EBT or Medicaid card.
Instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the Petco.com website. Petco offers free 1-2 day shipping on products when your order total is greater than $35.00.
Instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the UberEats.com website. UberEats is a food delivery service that has a wide variety of restaurant options, often including options with $0 delivery fees.
Here are instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the cvs.com website. CVS delivers within 1 - 2 days or the same day of your delivery. CVS’s website allows you to order or refill medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Ordering groceries through Peapod can be a simple and convenient way to get the foods and
household items you need without leaving your home.
Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate better during medical appointments.
PBS Kids for Parents has a page dedicated to articles from parents and experts about "Raising Kids Who Thrive". Find various articles to help families thrive at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Find articles such as " 8 Indoor Activities to Release Kids' Energy" and "How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus", plus many more useful articles.
Many students have asked Sal how to cope with stress. In his personal life, Sal finds meditation invaluable for not only reducing stress and anxiety, but also for enjoying the fullness of life. In this short video, Sal introduces you to simple meditation techniques to help you calm your mind, relax, and focus.
SCC’s First Source Jobs Program is available to help community members of Greater Boston with any employment-related needs. All current programming is happening virtually.
Services offered include:
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Applying for unemployment benefits or resolving issues with cases
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Connecting individuals to employment opportunities or job training programs
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Building resumes, preparing for interviews, and conducting job search
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Finding other income support resources during these crises
Please call 617-410-9917 or email one of the staff in the linked PDFs above.
The MA Department of Unemployment Assistance has resources for employees.
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To file for unemployment benefits online, click here.
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You can watch a tutorial video on how to file online, click here.
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For assistance by phone, call (617) 626-6338, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Voice relay 711 via their website.
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The Boston Globe published this helpful article on applying for unemployment in MA due to the health crisis.
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The MA Department of Unemployment Assistance gives daily presentations online and by phone detailing the process of filing for unemployment step by step.
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Información de desempleo de Massachusetts sobre el virus COVID-19 en Español esta aqui.
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The MA Department of Transitional Assistance is now allowing phone applications for cash benefits. Their website also has easy-to-use tabs to determine eligibility and apply.
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The TAFDC (Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children) program is for families with minor children, and the EAEDC (Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children) program is for seniors over 65 (who do not receive SSI Supplemental Security Income), disabled individuals, and certain guardians and caretakers who are not yet on SSI. Call 617-348-5354 to apply by phone.
Do you need help buying fresh, nutritious food? You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
This list is compiled by Tech Goes Home and will be regularly updated. If there is a fund that is not on this list and you would like to have it added, please email info @ techgoeshome.org.
iHeartRADIO compiled a list of large, national companies that are hiring right now. Many positions are open immediately and are offering bonuses and work-from-home options.
Shape your future by taking the census now. Learn more about the census and get the facts, learn how to respond, why your answers matter, and about privacy and security.
Tutorial on how to complete the Census online, created by Generations on Line.
The 2020 Census is underway. Keep tabs on how many households in your community have responded with this map of self-response rates from across the country. The map can show how many households have responded in your city down to your neighborhood (by census tract).
Tech Goes Home is partnering with MassCounts to launch phone banks every Tuesday from 11:00am-1:00pm, Wednesday from 5:00pm-7:00p, and Thursday from 5:00pm-7:00pm to call residents to "get out the count". Call your neighbors in Massachusetts and encourage them to participate in the 2020 Census. Our communities depend on the vital funding that the census determines. Please sign up to join a virtual phone bank: https://bit.ly/TGHcensusVPB. You will need a computer and a cell phone to participate.
Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
“Goodnight With Dolly” will feature Dolly Parton reading a series of Imagination Library books all carefully chosen for their appropriate content at this moment in time. New episode every Thursday for 10 weeks starting April 2nd at 7pm.
Google Earth rolled out virtual tours of some of the most breathtaking parks in the country. The map and satellite imagery masters at Google Earth have put together a series of guided virtual tours of 31 national parks around the country, providing a stunning glimpse of the trails and vistas you would see if you visited them in real life.
A video channel that takes you behind the scenes of our exhibits, into our world-class collections, out to the field with researchers, and through scientific concepts that illuminate the natural world.
View the animals live! Baboons, Penguins, Pandas, Polar Bears, Apes, Koalas, Giraffes, Butterflies, Elephants, Tigers, Owls and Condors!
View the animals live! African Penguins, Gators, Puffin, Piranhas, Jellyfish, Sea Otters, and Beluga Whales. Plus Ocean and Barrier Reef views!