NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America – a new documentary from Academy Award® nominee Rory Kennedy and Verizon – focuses on the deep inequalities in America's education system that are keeping millions of students in digital darkness. The film, narrated by Academy and Grammy Award® winner Jamie Foxx, and premiering on National Geographic at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 26th, spotlights the 'haves' and 'have nots' as it relates to technology in classrooms and presents the emotional and economic impact on students who lack access.

The film presents in-depth interviews with students, parents, educators, administrators and learning experts across the U.S., especially those from disadvantaged areas, and the frustrations, anxieties and challenges of trying to create a modern, tech-focused learning environment to ensure students are prepared to join the global digital workforce. Education experts weigh in on the serious inequalities in access and funding, as well as the need for multi-faceted solutions to close the technology gap.

"In today's world, lack of technology skills is similar to not knowing how to read or write, especially when you consider that the majority of jobs in the future will be technology-based," said Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon. "Partnering with Rory Kennedy to bring this documentary to life made sense because she's been at the forefront of social issues for decades. Our hope is that this documentary will bring awareness and spark dialogue on this serious issue that is impacting the success of kids in rural, suburban and urban communities across the U.S."

"I was inspired to make 'Without a Net' because the stories of these students, parents and teachers need to be seen and heard, and most people don't realize this is happening right in their backyards," said Rory Kennedy, Producer and Director, Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America. "Through the making of this film, I became encouraged by the work that both not-for-profits and private corporations, like Verizon, have been doing over the last decade to get technology education and resources in middle schools across the U.S. to help close the digital divide. But the reality is that this crisis demands broader support and the documentary conveys the profound need for more people to get engaged across different sectors."

Verizon has a longstanding commitment to helping close the digital divide, having committed more than $160 million over five years to bringing free technology, free access, and immersive, hands-on learning to schools in disadvantaged areas across the U.S. Earlier this year, Verizon launched #weneedmore – a campaign to raise awareness of the inequalities in the digital divide and to underscore that "we need more kids to see the world of possibilities waiting for them. The company also tackles the digital divide with its recently released podcast series, 'Up to Speed: A Verizon Podcast.'

After premiering on National Geographic on September 26, the film will screen at the New York Film Festival on October 3rd and at events in Washington, DC and Columbus, Ohio this fall. Consumers can take action at digitaldivide.com where they can learn more about the issue, access a toolkit that helps them host a screening in their community and donate to a charity that works to close the digital divide. Go to digitaldivide.com for more information.