For many families served by the Hmong American Friendship Association in Milwaukee, having their own laptop or device at home is simply a luxury they cannot afford.
In fact, it’s estimated nearly 24,000 K-12 students in Milwaukee don’t have digital basics at home, including access to the internet, computers or skills needed to benefit from the online world – an issue known as the digital divide.
To help bridge that divide, AT&T teamed up with Human I-T this fall to provide over 150 free laptops for Milwaukee students and families served by HAFA.
The laptops were a welcome gift for HAFA’s families.
“Many of our Hmong youth do not have a device or internet at home to help them succeed academically,” said Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy, HAFA Executive Director. “We are so grateful to AT&T and Human I-T for these laptops that will make an immediate positive impact in the lives of our students. Technology and connection are vital to thriving in today’s digital age, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for our families to receive this gift.”
Those who received the laptops successfully completed three digital literacy classes through HAFA’s youth program. The program works to bridge the digital divide for Hmong youth through academic support, tutoring and digital literacy training.
Last fall, AT&T also provided a $25,000 AT&T Foundation grant to HAFA to help expand their youth academic program to serve more Hmong students.
