Here in the Empire State, AT&T has been collaborating with local organizations to give students and families access to technology, connectivity and educational tools to help them succeed in today’s digital world.
To grow that impact, we recently contributed $100,000 across five nonprofit collaborators in New York State to help provide enhanced access to digital resources and help close the digital divide. The announcement was made on June 25th at an open house event at Cameron Community Ministries in Rochester.
The five nonprofit recipients are:
- Cameron Community Ministries in Rochester, NY
- Buffalo Urban League & Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Inc.
- Urban League of Westchester County in White Plains, NY
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area in Troy, NY
- Silicon Harlem in New York, NY
The five nonprofits house AT&T Connected Learning Centers (formerly known as AT&T Digital Learning Labs), which provide free access to digital resources, including computers, internet and other exciting, connected technology. AT&T Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) also provide educational resources such as The Achievery, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association.
The Rochester CLC at Cameron Community Ministries, for example, is utilized by a wide array of residents, from young students doing homework to teens building their resumes to adults searching and applying for jobs.
Olivia Kassoum-Amadou, Executive Director of Cameron Community Ministries, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with AT&T again to introduce the AT&T Connected Learning Center at Cameron for our community. Our continued collaboration is a direct reflection of their commitment to not only provide high speed internet, HP and Mac computers, but education, tutoring, and resources for all ages. Our commitment to address the digital divide and make an impact in the communities we serve is a priority for us.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area have the honor of receiving continued support from AT&T through their Connected Learning initiative,” said Justin Reuter, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. “Our computer lab at the Troy Clubhouse provides a critical space to local youth with access to online educational elements, interactive games, and much more. We are grateful to AT&T for affording us the opportunity of maintaining and expanding our technological resources.”
“I’m truly thankful for AT&T’s generous support for the Urban League of Westchester County,” said Sorraya Sampson, President & CEO of Urban League of Westchester County. “This funding will significantly enhance our Connected Learning Center, giving our community better access to technology and digital resources. By working together to close the digital divide, we’re ensuring that our students and families can thrive in an increasingly digital world. We’re excited to continue creating opportunities for education and growth in our community with AT&T’s partnership.”
AT&T initially invested $300,000 to launch these five centers in 2022/2023. The additional $100,000 contribution announced in Rochester is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to continue to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. Each of the five organizations will receive $20,000 to support updates, enhancements and overall operation of these New York CLCs, their technology, and programs.
Thomas Beauford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Buffalo Urban League, said: “We are incredibly grateful to AT&T for their generous $100,000 donation to bridge the digital divide in New York State. This critical funding will allow the Buffalo Urban League, along with our partner organizations, to expand access to technology and educational resources for our community. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world.”
“At Silicon Harlem, we believe that access to technology and the internet is a fundamental right. This generous contribution from AT&T will enable us to enhance our digital learning resources, ensuring that the Harlem community can fully participate in the digital world,” said Mr. Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem. “Together, we are closing the digital divide and ensuring every home is a connected future for all.”
In New York, it’s estimated that 11% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world..
AT&T is committing $5 billion nationally to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
AT&T opens CLCs within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting underserved populations within their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families. The company plans to offer more than 50 locations by mid-2024.
Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.