K12, Inc., which operates online schools in Arizona and other states, is offering free education tools for parents, teachers, students and schools during COVID-19. 

In fact, anyone can access free curriculum like an interactive reading program, a large digital library and a learning game platform that focuses on math and language skills, said Megan Sandoval, senior vice president of School Services. 

Free online summer school and boot camps are starting soon, too. 

“With school closures happening across the state, we wanted to offer our expertise for anyone who needs it, whether that is whole districts, schools, teachers, or parents,” Sandoval said. “Virtual learning can work. It can be successful and it solves the need to continue education and connection through the current pandemic.”

Free curriculum, summer programs and teacher training

Among the free programs offered for students, parents and teachers are:

Big Universe

This K-12 digital literary solutions program provides access to more than 17,000 leveled eBooks and balanced literacy tools that are available 24/7 on any device. The interactive platform has reading practice opportunities, such as read-alouds, guided reading, interactive writing, writing workshops, and reading workshops. Learn more at: .

Stride

A digital game-based learning program for preschool through 8th grade. Stride includes game-based learning in math, reading, language arts, and science that is accessible 24/7 on tablets, PCs, and Macs. Stride delivers video games as a reward for completing academic tasks. Learn more at: .��

Summer school and boot camps

Through its Destinations Career Academy, K12 is also offering free programs and boot camps for students in 8th through 11th grade starting in June. Middle and high school students can explore high-demand career fields with an online course in business, healthcare, or IT and receive 0.5 high school elective credit. Two, two-week coding boot camps are also being offered free where students get to take part in an eSports tournament. For more information, go to: .��

Free webinars for parents, educators 

To help parents and educators, K12 has put together a collection of webinars and other content to offer teaching and other tips to help anyone transition to a virtual classroom. Learn more at: .

Free online guidance for schools and districts 

With 20 years of online education under its belt, the company also is offering a free month of access for public and private schools and districts to assist them in moving to  virtual teaching and curriculum. 

“Many districts are trying to figure out how to make that transition that we made quite a while ago,” Sandoval said. 

Through its Fuel Education program, K12 offers digital curriculum, technology, instruction, and support directly to school districts. To learn more about the complimentary 30 days to get students and platforms up and running, go to: . 

Pandemic increasing curiosity about remote learning 

Sandoval said that the pandemic has resulted in a flurry of calls from parents, particularly in states like Washington, the first state hit by COVID-19. Since then, it has spread to all 50 states.

“Our enrollment center is getting a lot of calls and they are different than they used to be,” Sandoval said. “The calls very much do reference the pandemic and fears that families have that their students may be getting behind and they are looking for options.”

“Some are hedging their bets — if schools open or not, whether they will go back or not.”

Virtual public schools in Arizona for all students 

For parents in Arizona considering online options for next fall, K12, Inc. operates three virtual tuition-free public schools:

Destinations Career Academy at Insight Academy of Arizona 

For grades 9-12, the online academy combines traditional high school academics with industry-relevant, career-focused electives to give students a jump-start on their college and career goals. While working toward their high school diplomas, students can choose from a variety of courses in high-demand career fields: business and health & human services. Arizona-certified teachers provide live online instruction. Students participate in career-oriented clubs, gain workplace skills, and prepare to take industry-recognized certification exams in their chosen career path upon graduation. 

Arizona Virtual Academy 

This K-12 is geared toward students who perform at or above their grade level and are seeking to be challenged academically. Students in grades 4-12 can combine online learning with a structured classroom environment at six blended learning centers around the state. The staff promotes a positive outlook for the future and provides college and career guidance.

Insight Academy of Arizona 

Insight focuses on students’ academic and personal wellbeing. It serves students in grades 7-12 who are performing below their current grade level, are not on track to graduate, and require social or emotional support. Credit recovery courses, trimester scheduling, and social and emotional learning programs help address students’ academic challenges. Other programs provide support for families. Students can combine online learning with a structured classroom environment at six blended learning centers around the state. Students can also prepare for college or career through guidance services and internships. 

More about K12, Inc.

K12, Inc. offers online learning for students worldwide. The company offers three options: tuition-free online public school, tuition-based online private school, and individual online courses from the K12 curriculum.For more information about K12 the programs it is offering during the pandemic, visit:

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Arizona businesses that are losing revenue due to the coronavirus can tap into a wealth of resources to help them stay afloat during the pandemic. 

From grants, to no-interest loans, to technical assistance, there are many avenues for relief. One of the largest is the federal Paycheck Protection Program that opened its second round of funding for small businesses last week. It provides $310 billion for companies including those who lost out during the first round when the funding ran out in the first two weeks. 

Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce & Industry, is hoping the process will be easier and more accessible this time. 

“More than one million jobs in Arizona are connected to small businesses and more than 350,000 Arizonans have filed unemployment claims in the past month,” Hamer said. “The administration of these federal programs must be simple for small business owners to navigate. If there isn’t radical improvement, then it could be too late for them.”

The Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� and chambers statewide have as their top priority the survival of small businesses. Most chambers have links to resources, tips and “cheat sheets” in both English and Spanish on their websites to assist businesses. 

Dozens of programs for small and mid-size companies 

There is a wealth of resources designed to help businesses and employees survive financially during the pandemic including: 

FEDERAL FORGIVABLE LOANS 

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Companies with 500 or fewer employees,  including independent sole operators, may apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) . Companies can receive up to two months of operating costs including payroll, rent and utilities. The majority of the funding is forgivable, acting more like a grant than a loan. Those applying should go through their regular bank or find a qualified lender on the Arizona Banking Association website at: SBA .��

Free training to navigate PPP application process

The Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and the Arizona Small Business Association launched the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses, a free training program that helps both novice and experienced borrowers navigate the federal assistance program. The programs are in English at: or Spanish at .��

FEDERAL LENDING FOR SMALL, MID SIZE COMPANIES 

The Federal Reserve announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information go to: . 

TAX CREDIT EXEMPTION FOR EMPLOYERS

The federal Employee Retention Tax Credit is a new tax credit program designed to help companies and nonprofits retain their employees during the coronavirus outbreak. Employers whose business operations are suspended, partially suspended or are experiencing significant revenue losses because of the virus outbreak are eligible for the tax credit exemption. To learn more, go to:

The U.S. The �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce also has issued a guide to assist employers at: . 

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, FREELANCERS  

Unemployment benefits for independent contractors

Due to COVID-19, independent contractors can qualify for unemployment payments in Arizona. In the past, this service was not available to freelancers and 1099 contractors. Applicants may receive up to $600 weekly during the pandemic. Expect a wait time as the Arizona Department of Economic Security is dealing with a record number of claims. For more information, go to:

NO INTEREST, LOW INTEREST LOANS 

Kiva Tucson

Kiva Tucson, Growth Partners Arizona and Community Investment Corporation have partnered to provide no-interest, no-fee, community-backed business loans from $1,000 to $15,000 that are crowdfunded on Kiva’s world-wide online platform. Learn more at::��

Small Business Success Loan

Growth Partners Arizona, in collaboration with the Business Development Finance Corporation, are offering loans of $10,000-$75,000 to qualified small businesses for equipment, long-term working capital, tenant improvements, consolidation of more expensive debt, and more. For more information, go to: .��

HOTLINE HELP FOR PHOENIX BUSINESSES 

City of Phoenix Hotline

Phoenix businesses hurt by the pandemic can call the hotline at (602) 262-5040 to be connected to resources, financial assistance, and more. The city does not have a call center so the hotline is the main phone number for Community and Economic Development. If possible, all calls are answered or returned within one business day.��

The department also has a list of many resources available for city businesses at:

RESTAURANT WORKERS  

The restaurant industry has been among the hardest hit in the pandemic. To help employees, a number of groups are offering grants and accepting donations to help including:

Arizona Restaurant Association Relief Fund provides immediate funding for restaurant workers impacted by the pandemic. Individual grants of $500 are being given to restaurant industry staff who have suddenly found themselves without a paycheck. Donations also are being accepted to help these employees. Go to:

Another Round Another Rally is providing $500 relief grants in emergency assistance for employees in hospitality. Chefs, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, sommeliers, managers and others in hospitality roles who have lost jobs or had hours slashed. The group has been flooded with requests so donations are welcome. More information is available at: 

�鶹��ýӳ�� road maps and “cheat sheets”

�鶹��ýӳ��s of commerce statewide also have lists of local, state and federal resources to help businesses on their websites. 

The Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry offers a comprehensive resource guide at: . The U.S. �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce also has a host of links to resources and tips for small businesses and sole-operator companies at: .

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