The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that provides eligible households with a discount of up to $30/month on their internet service. With this discount, some providers may offer internet plans at no cost.
To ensure this resource reaches as many residents as possible, the City and our partners are working to increase ACP uptake with increased outreach and signup assistance in the community.
Related Initiatives and Resources
Technology Resource Center
1165 Franklin Street #100
South Bend, IN 46601
I’m ready to apply:
You can begin the application process by confirming your eligibility and starting an application at the ACP’s online portal.
Once you’ve received confirmation of your eligibility, you should contact an internet service provider to obtain your discount.
I’d like help signing up:
The City and our partners are providing one-on-one support to walk you through each step of the sign up process.
To get matched with a navigator, please complete the brief form below. One of our team members will be in touch soon to help you get started.
About the Creating Connections Team:
The City and our partners at Citywide Classroom and the St. Joe County Public Library are working together to help members of our community sign up for the ACP.
Our Creating Connections ACP Outreach team includes 4 navigators who are spreading the word about the ACP and helping sign up residents.
Carlos – Citywide Classroom Navigator
As the Coordinator of Citywide Classroom, Carlos’ outreach focuses on the needs of SBCSC students and their families.
Carlos’ work with Citywide Classroom builds on years of volunteer experience and coordination in numerous countries, including his original homes of Argentina and Bolivia, as well as Peru and the United States.
Carlos is passionate about eliminating barriers for Spanish speakers in the community, teaching Zumba, and participating in local theater!
ccentellas@southbendin.gov | (574) 703-1881
Se habla español
Jessie – City of South Bend Navigator
Jessie is a lifelong resident of South Bend who will be continuing her career of community service as an ACP Navigator with the City’s Outreach Team.
Jessie is a former high school social worker and has served in numerous roles to help members of the community buy and stay in their homes, including as a mortgage loan officer and a foreclosure intervention specialist.
Jessie is available to engage with residents and community organizations throughout South Bend to promote the ACP.
jwhitaker@southbendin.gov | (574) 314-2831
Mary – St. Joe County Public Library Navigator
Mary serves as the ACP Navigator for the guests and patrons of our St. Joe County Library, a critical connectivity resource in our community. Her outreach spans the library’s 10 locations and numerous events across South Bend, North Liberty, and Lakeville.
Returning to the area after over 14 years away, Mary is happy to see that the community is flourishing.
With years of experience in social service, she truly enjoys the work that she has done and continues to do creating equitable conditions for all.
m.sparks@sjcpl.org | (574) 366-0657
Se habla español
Mellisa – City of South Bend Navigator
Mellisa is a passionate community member and advocate bringing years of experience in resident support to her role as a City ACP Navigator.
Since 2021, she has served as a Community Health Worker for the St. Joseph County Health Department, where she helps residents access vital resources. She has also created a Mommy and Me Program and a food pantry with community partners.
She is a wife of 33 years, a mother of 6, and an abuela to her Josie Bug and Leo. She is an avid reader, baker and an expert event host.
melissetche@southbendin.gov | (574) 406-4718
Se habla español
Help us spread the word:
Education Superhighway reports that only 38% of eligible households in South Bend are signed up for the ACP. It will take a community-wide effort to increase these numbers and help get all our residents online. You can help spread the word by:
1. Telling your friends and family about the ACP and directing them to our navigators if they need assistance.
2. Sharing outreach materials in your community and on your social media.
3. Hosting events, like resource fairs or office hours, with our team to increase signups.
If you are interested in partnering or learning more, please email ACP@southbendin.gov.
The Creating Connections Program is made possible with funding from the FCC’s ACP Outreach Grant Program and Navigator Pilot Program.
