What’s the news? 240 refurbished laptops will be given to Miami students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. This week’s distribution is in addition to the 300 laptops that were distributed throughout Miami in March. The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Compudopt, will be given to Miami area residents in need. AT&T is working with Compudopt to provide participants of Dibia DREAM and Kiwanis of Little Havana with laptops and digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.
Why is this important?
In Miami, it’s estimated that more than 74,400 K-12 students1 don’t have digital basics at home, including access to the internet, computers or skills needed to benefit from the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide commitment to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
Dibia DREAM and Kiwanis of Little Havana strive to support young people in the Miami area, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, making these organizations a natural fit to facilitate the distribution of computers to students and families in need. Providing students and families with computers will give them the opportunity to gain the access needed to thrive in this modern world. From completing homework to filling out job applications, they are connected to a greater possibility.
What are people saying?
“Access to laptops and internet for under-resourced scholars is a necessity,” said Brandon Okpalobi, Founder and CEO, Dibia DREAM. “It opens doors of opportunity and empowers them to compete on an equal playing field with their more privileged peers. By bridging the digital divide, we are equipping these students with the tools they need to succeed academically, explore new knowledge, connect with the global community and dream bigger. It’s not only about giving them access to information, but also about fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills, which are essential in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.”
“The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s mission has always been to provide assistance to local children,” said Alexander Perez, President, Kiwanis of Little Havana. “Contributions from organizations like AT&T are immediate difference makers in our community and we are fortunate for their generosity. Their donation of 100 computers to these underserved children will help with their educational needs and provide an opportunity for a successful school year. In many cases these families would have not been able to afford these much-needed devices. The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and Mater Kiwanis want to express our sincere appreciation for the support provided by AT&T.”
“Too many of our students lack the devices required for online learning, which is why AT&T is proud to collaborate with Compudopt and local non-profits to help close the digital divide in Miami,” said Joe York, President, AT&T Gulf States. “But broadband accessibility is not just about bridging the digital divide, it’s about ensuring that every person has an equal chance to participate and thrive in our digital society, and through AT&T Connected Learning, we are working to expand that opportunity for Miami students.”
About Dibia DREAM
Founded in 2013, Dibia DREAM is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth in underserved communities. Our after-school, weekend, and summer programs are designed to engage young scholars and equip them with essential life skills. Dibia DREAM was created with the vision of empowering athletes and aspiring youth in underserved communities. Through our 5 Pillar program, we utilize sports and STEM education as a powerful instrument to teach life skills, promote mentorship, encourage active participation, and provide exposure to diverse opportunities. Our goal is to enrich the lives of youth through transformative experiences. By combining sports, education, and mentorship, we empower youth to reach their full potential and become confident, well-rounded individuals. To date, we’ve served over 20,000 students.
About Kiwanis of Little Havana
The Kiwanis of Little Havana is an affiliate of Kiwanis International, a worldwide non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving children in their communities. Formed in 1975, the Little Havana Chapter is the oldest, continuously meeting club in the United States committed to making a difference in the lives of thousands of South Florida families annually through service projects and fundraising initiatives. Members volunteer thousands of hours each year to strengthen their community through various activities, including holiday giving, scholarships, youth summer camps, back-to-school programs, and the internationally recognized Calle Ocho Music Festival, the largest of the events that form part of the group’s core fundraising initiative, Carnaval Miami. For more information, visit www.kiwanislittlehavanafoundation.org and www.carnavalmiami.com.
*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.
