Distribution part of employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students with laptops and supplies before they head back to school
AT&T* and Human-I-T provided JRF Outreach 100 refurbished laptops today to distribute to Monroe students in need.
This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops for the new school year.
In Louisiana, it’s estimated that 16% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
“In today’s world, access to technology is as fundamental as access to textbooks,” said Monroe City Councilmember Juanita Woods. “Ensuring our students have access to devices is crucial for bridging the digital divide and providing equal educational opportunities.”
“As we embrace the digital age, it’s imperative that we also embrace digital equity,” said State Senator Katrina Jackson. “Equipping our students with devices ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to excel and thrive.”
This effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close the digital divide in Monroe,” said Matt Adams, director, external and legislative affairs, AT&T Louisiana. “Connectivity is vital for students, and we’re glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”
Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.
*About JRF Outreach
JRF Outreach was founded in 2010 to provide at-risk youth with educational, financial, emotional, spiritual and psychological support to become productive and beneficial members of their city and state.
*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
For more information, contact:
Marcy O’Leary
AT&T Corporate Communications
Phone: 504-615-0959
Email: mo9519@att.com
