In 2008, the gaps in student achievement remained startling. To effectively reach students, educators needed to connect with them in the same way that students connected with each other. and together with the New York City Board of Education, Droga5 identified that technology best provided that opportunity. Thus the “Million” program was developed and became a tool to help boost student engagement by providing kids with phones fueled entirely by participation and performance in school. Minutes were earned by success as measured by indicators like attendance, behavior, homework completion and grades.