The Midlands of South Carolina just stepped into a new era of enhanced connectivity. This month, we opened the state’s first AT&T Connected Learning Center® (CLC) at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center in West Columbia.
As South Carolina’s first CLC location, Columbia now provides residents with a dedicated space featuring high-speed internet, Dell computers, and access to digital tools like The AchieverySM — AT&T’s free, online educational platform — along with a wide range of free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association.
As part of the event, AT&T distributed 250 free laptops to students and families served by the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center and contributed $50,000 to support programs that help residents overcome barriers to online access.
This is not only a win for the city of West Columbia, but a step forward in our nation-wide 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.
Established in 2008, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center improves community life through various social services and a comprehensive mix of programs designed to meet the needs of residents.
“We are proud to open an AT&T CLC at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, and we appreciate AT&T’s collaboration and commitment to closing the digital divide in our community. The CLC will help us achieve our mission of improving the quality of life for residents by providing a welcoming space where our community can enhance their digital skills and access important resources. We look forward to seeing how this center will transform lives and help build paths to success for all.” – Dr. Cindye Richburg-Cotton, Executive Director, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center
“Access to high-speed internet and digital learning is critical for the growth and prosperity of South Carolina’s communities. The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center is a hub for community resources, and this AT&T CLC will be a game-changer for residents and youth. Supporting initiatives like this is essential to building a more connected South Carolina.” – Senator Russell Ott
While this new center represents just one part of our broader goal of launching 100 AT&T CLCs by the end of 2027, its opening stands as a powerful reflection of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve.
We know that when we invest in our communities and expand connectivity, we increase economic opportunity, improve efficiency, and move closer to bridging the digital divide.
We’re excited to bring this CLC to West Columbia and look forward to building even more connections that uplift, empower and bring opportunity to every corner of the Palmetto State.
