What’s the news? 200 refurbished laptops will be given to Alachua County students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Human IT, will be given to Micanopy and Hawthorne area residents in need. AT&T is working with Human IT to provide participants of the Education Foundation of Alachua County with laptops and digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.
Why is this important?
In Alachua County, it’s estimated that more than 8,500 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 to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
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?
“Closing the digital divide begins with ensuring that every child has the tools they need to explore, learn, and grow in the digital age,” said Mary Chance, President & CEO, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations “Technology should not be a barrier to education. It should be a tool that enhances learning and opens doors to endless possibilities, and we applaud AT&T for stepping in to support local families.”
“This gift helps bridge the digital divide by empowering students and families with the tool of knowledge, fostering digital equity and creating pathways for brighter futures within our community,” said Jayne Moraski, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of Alachua County. “Thanks to AT&T and its partners, hundreds of students and their families now have a world of educational resources at their fingertips.”
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human IT to help close the digital equity gap in Alachua County,” said Joe York, President, AT&T Gulf States. “Access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”
The Education Foundation of Alachua County
A Gainesville non-profit works alongside the Alachua County Public School system to invest in local students and teachers. Through student scholarships, one-on-one mentoring, and teacher and school grants, students are empowered and equipped to graduate from high school and exceed at the next level.
*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.
