As dozens of Chicago students gathered for a ribbon-cutting launch of the new state-of-the-art AT&T Connected Learning Center at BUILD on the city’s west side, the celebration event was filled with encouragement and possibility.
“You never know how connecting to the internet can open your life to something new. Your future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. So dream big…because Connecting Changes Everything!” said Eileen Mitchell, President, AT&T Illinois.
Chicago Bulls’ mascot “Benny the Bull” surprised students by delivering the ceremonial big scissors. With a quick countdown and a snip of the ribbon, the Connected Learning Center was open, “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang was blaring, and the launch event party was in full force.
The new AT&T Connected Learning Center inside BUILD in Chicago provides internet access and high-quality educational tools to residents who encounter barriers to online participation. In addition, AT&T made a $50,000 contribution to BUILD for programming support.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating this new space, but the bright futures it will help allow,” said Bradly Johnson, Interim CEO at BUILD. “And none of this would be possible without the partnership, leadership and commitment of AT&T.”
The Connected Learning Center inside BUILD is the 80th AT&T Connected Learning Center in the country, and the company’s third in Chicago.
This AT&T Connected Learning Center offers free access to digital resources, including high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi and Dell computers. It also provides educational resources such as The AchieverySM, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Tutoring and mentoring are also provided by AT&T employees and community leaders.
“Thank you to AT&T for giving me this opportunity. It will be very helpful to my schoolwork — and my music management,” said Aaiden, a student at BUILD.
This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
AT&T opens these centers 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 at least 100 CLCs by the end of 2027.
