Describing it as a “gamechanger,” Facebook is donating a gift of $939,000 to the Madison County Schools system in an effort to make digital technology more accessible to every student in its system, the school system announced Thursday.

It's the largest single private donation the school system said it has ever received.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our school district immediately went into action to implement a distance learning plan for all students," Superintendent Allen Perkins said in the announcement. "We realized a significant portion of our students did not have access to internet connectivity and devices. Facebook is donating these funds to help make broader connectivity and equitable access a reality. We couldn't be more thrilled to have such an amazing community partner.”

The Madison County School System has 29 schools serving nearly 20,000 students.

“This gift of nearly one million dollars is a gamechanger for our district and empowers us to provide the highest quality education for our students,” Perkins said in the announcement.

Facebook is building a $750 million data center in Huntsville and, on Wednesday, launched a program to award $100,000 to small businesses in the Rocket City.

“​Huntsville is our home and we are honored to partner with the Madison County School System to provide immediate relief to students and families,” Katie Comer, Community Development Regional Manager, Facebook, said in the announcement. “We are committed to investing in the long-term vitality of this community, and we hope this partnership will help students continue their education from home."