On the South Side of Youngstown, Ohio, inside the headquarters of a local nonprofit organization, neighborhood revitalization takes many forms. It’s small business incubation. It’s resources for new entrepreneurs to create viable inventions and market products. And it’s also fostering connections that will help close the digital divide.
That nonprofit – Oak Hill Collaborative or OHC – was the site of a recent announcement focused not only on internet adoption, but also on access and affordability. We announced a $20,000 AT&T Foundation grant supporting OHC’s Digital Advantage initiative, which provides computer education classes and workshops. We also talked with community leaders about our fiber expansion work underway locally, following the national announcement in March that AT&T Fiber will be live in Youngstown by the end of the year.
“The timing of this announcement is perfect. We recently announced that, for the first time in 68 years, a company is relocating its corporate headquarters to downtown Youngstown. For us to continue that momentum, the investment that AT&T is making with us today will go a long way.” ~ Guy Coviello, President & CEO, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber
Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown was among the visitors who explored the AT&T Ohio Mobile Fiber Training Trailer parked outside the OHC event. Used to train technicians who deploy fiber in local neighborhoods, it gave community leaders a hands-on look at the expertise used to bring our fiber investment to their area.
“The AT&T Foundation grant to Oak Hill Collaborative helps more of our Mahoning Valley neighbors become confident in their ability to utilize a computer for work, school, and home life. Greater digital literacy provides a better quality of living and makes a big difference for our most vulnerable local families. I thank AT&T for these and other investments they’re making in our community.” ~ Youngstown Ward 1 City Councilman Julius Oliver
During the event, OHC leaders discussed our work to expand internet affordability through our low-cost internet service, Access from AT&T.1
When eligible households apply the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) federal benefit of up to $30 per month to their Access from AT&T plan, they can get their internet for free.2
OHC Executive Director Pat Kerrigan pointed out that a family of 4 with annual household income up to $55,500, for example, is eligible for the ACP, concluding that many Youngstown area families could benefit from these programs.
Check out local media coverage of the OHC event:
- Youngstown Business Journal: AT&T, Oak Hill Lay Foundation for Digital Future; AT&T Fiber Coming to Youngstown
- WFMJ-TV
- WKBN-TV
- Mahoning Matters
1 Access from AT&T is available only in the AT&T 21-state wireline footprint. You’ll receive the maximum speed available at your address.
2 Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Free with Access from AT&T 12-100Mbps plans only.
