THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Science and Technology Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020

White House OSTP Leads Effort to Increase Access to Online
Education Resources

Last week, as part of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s COVID-19 technology initiative, American technology companies were called on to make online learning resources more accessible for teachers, parents, and students as more Americans are encouraged to stay home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Today, the technology industry rose to the occasion with the launch of TechforLearners.org, a new resource for educators, administrators, and public officials who are turning to online learning as coronavirus response disrupts the school year.

TechforLearners.org is a searchable online database of education technology tools that facilitate online classrooms and teaching, allowing educators to search for free and discounted tools and services by grade level, product type, and subject matter. The site, coordinated by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), will be continually updated and will soon include additional resources geared towards parents and students.

“Teachers and educators across the Nation will be relying on technology now more than ever. During this unprecedented time, the Trump Administration is committed to ensuring America’s educators and families have the technology tools to bring classrooms online. We are grateful to the technology and education leaders who jumped into action to launch this important resource,” said U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios.

“As our nation deals with the dynamic challenges resulting from this public health crisis, SIIA’s members and partners are supporting education and our nation’s communities — at all levels — as they transition to or extend their online learning capabilities,” said SIIA President Jeff Joseph. “Tech for Learners will assist educators and school administrators in identifying the EdTech solution that best fits the specific needs of their school, student population, and educational community – from distance and online learning to remote administration and telework. Our hope is this will provide them, along with parents and students, some peace of mind and certainty in these uncertain times.”