The “homework gap” represents a significant challenge for students in the U.S., particularly those from low-income or rural backgrounds. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 5 million households with school-aged children (about 17.5%) lack high-speed internet access at home. Low-income households are disproportionately affected, with 31.4% of families earning below $50,000 annually lacking broadband access. This figure contrasts sharply with only 8.4% of households earning more than $50,000 facing the same issue​ (National Education Association | NEA) (Pew Research Center).

The disparity also intersects with race and ethnicity. Black and Hispanic families with children are about ten percentage points less likely to have broadband access than their white counterparts, further exacerbating inequities in educational opportunities​ (Pew Research Center).

The digital divide significantly impacts students, limiting their access to online learning and educational resources. A study from Common Sense Media found that during the pandemic, 16 million K-12 students lacked adequate internet for remote learning. Even today, over 9 million students remain underserved, limiting their ability to complete online assignments, access digital resources, or participate in virtual learning environments​ (Pew Research Center).

Efforts to bridge the gap, like the FCC’s E-rate program, are crucial in addressing this issue. By funding affordable internet access for schools and libraries, E-rate plays a key role in ensuring students—particularly in rural and underserved areas—can compete on a level playing field. However, closing the homework gap will require ongoing advocacy, investment in broadband infrastructure, and policies to make high-speed internet universally accessible.