The Native American population is one example: more than 90 percent of tribal populations lack high-speed Internet access, and usage rates are as low as 5 percent in some areas, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Add to that the high school dropout rate for Native Americans is among the highest in the country.

Broadband access can be a ticket to keeping teens in school and cultivating their success. Recognizing the vital role technology plays in a 21st Century education, Alcatel-Lucent is teaming up with Verizon in delivering a special program for Native American youth living in 10 school-related dormitories on reservations across the West and Midwest. The program was announced by President Obama in his June 13 visit to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, and will connect more than 1,000 Native American middle and high school students to the Internet.

Verizon will deploy network infrastructure including Alcatel-Lucent LTE small cells (think of them as mini radio cell towers) for added capacity, coverage and optimal performance. In addition, each student will receive a wireless tablet from Microsoft and hands-on training in how to use the devices effectively for learning. Verizon also engaged Cross Wireless, a participant in Verizon Wireless’ LTE in Rural America program, to deliver on this critical program.