For 3 Kalamazoo area organizations, their efforts to support families and students with limited internet and technology access received a big boost recently, thanks to AT&T Michigan.
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Western Michigan University, and Portage Community Center each received a $20,000 AT&T contribution to support their efforts to bridge the digital divide for those in need in the Kalamazoo and Portage communities.
“Too many Michiganders face challenges to success in life due to digital divide barriers, especially those in underserved communities,” said David Lewis, President, AT&T Michigan. “We are proud to support the work that leaders in the community are doing to help close the digital equity gap in Kalamazoo and Portage.”
The AT&T funding will go a long way toward helping individuals impacted by the digital divide.
- Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries (KGM) will use a $20,000 AT&T contribution to support its Education and Life Skills Center for families experiencing homelessness. With the AT&T funds, KGM plans to purchase 10 new computers and offer wraparound services. The Center removes barriers by offering a variety of classes, including digital literacy, life skills, GED certification, and college/career readiness.
- Portage Community Center (PCC) will use a $20,000 AT&T contribution to support their Youth Development Program for students in Portage. The program provides youth in need with a foundation of technology and academic skills, as well as resources on online safety, privacy, and responsible use of technology. Many youth served by PCC have little to no access to technology or the internet at home, or lack sufficient devices to complete homework. The PCC provides youth with access to devices, high-speed internet, and computer software programs to help them build academic and digital skills.
- Western Michigan University (WMU) will use a $20,000 AT&T contribution to expand its Tutoring program to offer 24/7 online tutoring for middle and high school students. WMU’s Office of Precollege Programming operates a tutoring service at 4 Kalamazoo Public School sites. With this AT&T contribution, WMU is now offering a 24/7 online tutoring platform for students unable to attend the regular after-school sessions and expanding the service to students in additional schools. WMU will also provide digital literacy workshops to help students with online job searches and resume building.
These AT&T contributions 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 the safe use of technology.
