"Having access to the internet is really important and families who don't have access at home, find themselves at a disadvantage," Superintendent of Fort Smith Public Schools, Dr. Gordon Floyd said.
Cox has developed a program to make sure that all kids have the same opportunities when they get home by offering a discounted rate for qualifying households. Families with school aged children who receive free or reduced lunch at school or families that receive housing assistance may qualify for the reduced rate.
"I'm disabled so I only make so much a month, and between the rent and your electric and your water, it's not easy," mother of two, Brenna Flanery said. "It's really difficult. We live in a trailer that's falling apart, but we're trying to do our best and stuff and make it happen. I do what I can, and it's not easy."
Dr. Floyd said education is going in a direction where students are using computers more, and even accessing their textbooks and taking tests online.
"A program like this one that Cox offers is a real boom for those families, and allows them to stay in the mainstream of the internet age," Dr. Floyd said.
The Flanerys said when teachers assign homework online, it makes school even harder for them.
"Because I don't have wifi or internet, when [teachers assign homework online], I just don't pay attention," 7th grader, Brandon Carver said.
By not being able to do those online assignments, student get behind in school.
"If they're moving too fast, it's hard for you to learn," 5th grader, Trey Flanery said.
Mrs. Flanery believes the Cox 'Connect 2 Compete' program will be great for families.
"I think it will be good for kids," Mrs. Flanery said. "I wish more parents could do things and be able to get internet for their children and be able to help them with their homework and things."
She hopes with the internet, she can help more than just her own kids.
"I have kids that come to my house all the time that I am helping in one way or another," Mrs. Flanery said. "I try to do the best that I can and [having internet] is going to help if they come and want to study at my house. I can have a study group at the house for all the kids instead of them having to go find somewhere else to do things."
For more information about the Connect 2 Compete program or to see if your household is eligible, visit Cox's website.