Thousands of Californians were equipped with essential digital resources this summer through the AT&T California Summer of Connectivity initiative – part of AT&T’s efforts to help close the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
The program brought laptops, school supplies and newly established Connected Learning Centers directly to more than 40 communities across California. AT&T provides laptops and other tools to those who face barriers to access these resources on their own, including students, families and older adults.
AT&T is dedicated to combatting the digital divide in California and beyond. The company is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people nationwide get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030 and has distributed more than 30,000 laptops and devices to Californians since 2021.
The effort also included providing 30,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students across the country before returning to school at the end of the summer. The backpacks included notebooks, pencils, and headphones; along with cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees.
Putting Resources Directly into Californians’ Hands
AT&T joined nearly 50 nonprofits and community organizations to provide refurbished laptops to thousands of Californians from every corner of the state, with support from Human-I-T. We teamed up with several community leaders, from Boys and Girls Clubs in Northern California, the Bay Area, Central Coast and Central Valley to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pasadena-Altadena Ivy Foundation, the Soledad Chamber of Commerce, Home Again Los Angeles, the Fresno Center and many more. Laptops were provided to students and their families in need as well as older adults. The laptops will help folks learn, connect and access vital resources online while empowering them to fully participate in today’s digitally driven world.
Creating Space for Connection
Our summer of connectivity brought six new Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) to California, too, with a seventh set to open later this fall. The CLCs serve youth, families, and older adults in communities across the state, providing free access to internet, computers and digital and educational resources to help them safely and meaningfully engage online.
AT&T also opened its first CLC dedicated to exclusively serving older adults, in collaboration with the Janet Goeske Senior Center in Riverside. This CLC is one example of how AT&T aims to help close the digital divide for a critical community that often faces unique barriers to accessing online resources. With the new CLC, older adults can stay connected to family, friends and community, and take advantage of essential services like telehealth care.
California is now home to 16 CLCs. AT&T plans to open 100 CLCs nationwide by the end of 2027.
In Others’ Words
Providing laptops and digital resources to Californians in need has the potential to change lives. AT&T is proud to work with so many organizations and communities across the state who make a real impact on the lives of those they serve.
- “These refurbished laptops will help our seniors access vital online resources and stay connected with loved ones. This contribution is a powerful step in enabling our older residents to participate more fully in today’s digital world.” – Tony Wu, Mayor, City of West Covina
- “For many of these students, especially those who are first-generation and from underserved households, this may be their very first personal device. No student should be left behind simply because they lack access to technology.” – Pao Yang, President and CEO, The Fresno Center
- “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with AT&T to bring much-needed digital resources to our community, and others that are served through the TANF program. We understand the importance of access to the digital world and this donation of laptops from AT&T will give our Tribal youth what they need to succeed in today’s digitally driven world.” – Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
- “These laptops and backpacks open the door to learning, growth and opportunity for our young people. Every student deserves the chance to succeed and access to technology is a big part of making that possible.” – Monica Rosa, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods
- “Being able to create equal opportunity in the digital age at events like this is how our mission comes to life. It’s where the logistics of collecting and refurbishing technology translate into a tangible impact on a student’s future.” – Gabe Middleton, Co-Founder and CEO, Human-I-T
