Quick Hits (11.9.11)

Bridging the digital divide. Beginning next summer, cable companies will offer $9.95 Internet service to homes with children who qualify for free school lunches. It’s part of an initiative from the Federal Communications Commission to close the digital divide and open access to low-income families. Currently, about one-third of the nation’s households, or 35 million, do not have Internet access; reports say about 5.5 million homes will be eligible for this program. (Chicago Tribune)

Promoting well-being. San Francisco educators regularly welcome students into school Wellness Centers, meant for high-schoolers who are upset, stressed, depressed or any other emotion that they want to talk through. The majority of teachers say they notice better academic performance and an overall improvement in emotional well-being among those students who are referred to the center. (The Bay Citizen)

Three square meals. Schools officials are adding dinner to their list of free meals for students of low-income families. Schools in Memphis, Tenn., served “dinner” (for now, it is snacks, but officials say later, it will grow into hot meals) to students in the after-school program, which runs until 6 p.m. (The Commercial Appeal)

Generation Jobless. The Wall Street Journal shows how various college majors fare in the job market, based on unemployment rates, salaries, and popularity. The searchable list is part of the newspaper’s “Generation Jobless” series, which explores how the 25-and-under crowd is dealing with high unemployment rates. (Wall Street Journal)