#United States #Detroit #Wayne State University #Merit Network #eduroam

Expanding Access to Education: Merit Network's Detroit Eduroam Initiative

In a significant move to support digital inclusion, Merit Network has announced the expansion of eduroam, a secure global Wi-Fi network designed for education and research, throughout Detroit. Planned to coincide with Digital Inclusion Week, which takes place from October 6–10, 2025, this initiative aims to provide improved accessible Wi-Fi for students, teachers, and community institutions.

Living in a city where access to reliable internet is crucial for educational success, this endeavor is aimed at bridging the digital divide that many students face. Supported by the Rocket Community Fund and promoted by Wayne State University as well as the City of Detroit, the initiative will allow users to log in using their home institution's credentials with no additional setup needed. This integration will facilitate seamless access to educational resources for students across the city, libraries, museums, and other community anchor institutions.

Roger Blake, CEO of Merit Network, emphasizes that this initiative is not merely about providing internet access; it's about enhancing educational mobility within Michigan. He states, "With economic mobility for Detroiters and the State of Michigan's 'Sixty by 30' educational goal in mind, we invite organizations supporting student collaboration and success to join us in strengthening the digital link between K-12 education and higher learning."

Wayne State University has taken a central role in this effort. Rob Thompson, the Chief Information Officer at the university, notes the importance of Wayne State as an anchor institution in the community. He highlights that this expansion will not only benefit students within the university but also connect local K-12 schools to the resources necessary for personal and academic development.

Art Thompson, the Chief Information Officer for the City of Detroit, adds another layer to the narrative by discussing the broader implications of this initiative. He explains, "We talk a lot about access, but eduroam takes that conversation to another level. It's not just about getting online—it's about ensuring our students, families, and neighborhoods can connect to opportunities. Imagine a student being able to securely log on from a library or a coffee shop, connecting directly to the resources they use in their classroom. That's how you build confidence and create pathways leading to higher education and the workforce."

The eduroam expansion is distinct from traditional guest Wi-Fi systems, which often require password access and can create barriers. Instead, eduroam offers users a reliable and secure way to connect seamlessly, thus reducing the burden of managing guest Wi-Fi while fostering collaboration and discovery in educational settings.

Benefits for Organizations Participating in the Eduroam Initiative

• - Attracting Visitors: Create a more appealing environment for study sessions and professional gatherings.
• - Secure Connectivity: Automatic and reliable access that diminishes IT overhead.
• - Community Impact: Helps fill connectivity gaps, facilitating access to educational opportunities for everyone.

Merit Network, a nonprofit research and education network in Michigan, is providing detailed guidance for organizations looking to join the pilot. Most organizations will need to make only minor adjustments to their existing Wi-Fi systems, and the setup process is fully supported by Merit Network.

Interested organizations can learn more and sign up to participate in this vital initiative by visiting www.merit.edu/eduroam. By contributing to this expansion, organizations will play a crucial role in fostering a more digitally inclusive Detroit, ultimately helping to create a better future for its citizens.