The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has launched the eduroam secure Wi-Fi access service across all 120 schools and sites in the Washoe County School District (WCSD). This initiative allows over 68,000 students, teachers, and staff to use their school credentials for network access at WCSD campuses as well as at other participating locations in Nevada and worldwide.
Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks said, “This strategic partnership with Washoe County School District exemplifies our commitment to eliminating digital barriers and ensuring equitable access to educational resources throughout Nevada. By extending eduroam’s secure network to 68,000 students and staff across 120 schools, we are not only enhancing today’s learning environment but also establishing the robust digital infrastructure essential for Nevada’s educational and economic future.”
With this rollout, WCSD becomes part of a growing group of public entities in Nevada offering eduroam. The system enables users to log in automatically with existing credentials wherever the service is available. NSHE’s System Computing Services supports eduroam in Nevada. The program is funded by the state for eligible districts, libraries, museums, municipalities, and other organizations serving education.
NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair stated, “Expanding eduroam to Washoe County schools shows what’s possible when we work together to close the digital divide. Reliable internet access should never be a barrier to learning, and this partnership is another step toward ensuring students and educators have the tools they need to succeed, whether they’re in the classroom, at a library, or on a college campus across the globe.”
Chris Turner, chief information officer for WCSD, added: “This initiative will empower our students, faculty, and staff with reliable internet access beyond our schools, at thousands of educational, research, and municipal institutions worldwide. By joining the eduroam community, we are breaking down connectivity barriers and fostering a truly interconnected learning environment, opening up a world of opportunities for collaboration and exploration. This is more than just Wi-Fi; it’s about enabling access to knowledge and empowering the future of education in our District.”
The expansion aligns with NSHE’s efforts to increase statewide availability of eduroam through partnerships with various entities such as school districts and municipalities. Currently in Nevada alone there are ongoing efforts by NSHE SCS to make secure wireless internet more accessible at K-12 schools as well as libraries and museums.
More information about how eduroam supports education throughout Nevada can be found on NSHE’s official website.