Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1505559
Similarly, before receiving the grant, 27% of survey respondents rated their level of community involvement at low or none, with 59% saying moderate. After receiving the grant, 81% of respondents said they would strongly agree or agree that the Digital Inclusion Grant has increased their desire and ability to be more involved in their community. In survey responses and during interviews, students highlighted the loneliness they felt from being unable to attend classes during the pandemic and the negative impact this had had on their mental health and motivation to continue their education. Many students explained that they lived in communities where it would be hard to have to go to a library or public internet access point to be able to attend classes that had shifted online. For those that had no access to a device or internet at home, colleges and schools kept some learning in-person during the pandemic to ensure these students' education would not be severely disrupted. However, despite having to go in person due to lack of home connectivity, these students highlighted how uncomfortable they felt being one of only a handful of people that were using school resources and meeting in person while most buildings, hallways and classrooms were empty, which made them feel even more isolated from their classmates who were mostly all able to transition online. After receiving the laptop, students indicated they felt much more connected to their peers as they could attend online lectures, access assignments easily, and find extra curricular opportunities to join online. How connected do you feel to others NOW that you have received this grant? Impact of Connected North's Digital Inclusion Grant on IndigenousStudents' Learning, Social Connection and Community Involvement 23