Public safety officials know their communities better than anyone and have firsthand experience working to address the challenges faced by local families. That’s why AT&T was proud to team up with the Police Activities League of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts State Police to help close the digital divide on the South Coast of the Commonwealth.
On September 30, 2025, the Massachusetts State Police joined the Police Activities League (PAL) of Massachusetts and AT&T to provide 100 refurbished laptops to students in need from New Bedford, Brockton and Fall River.
The computers, provided to PAL by AT&T, were given out at a distribution event in New Bedford at the Dennison Memorial Community Center. The event was attended by students, families, members of the public safety community and leadership from PAL, MSP, AT&T and FirstNet. FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is the public safety network dedicated to first responders. Recipients were selected through collaborations with community organizations in each city, including the Brockton Boys & Girls Club.
Kimberly Gleason, CEO of PAL of Massachusetts, said: “At PAL, we are committed to building positive connections between youth and law enforcement. By working with AT&T, we can provide essential technology that makes a meaningful difference in students’ education and daily lives. We are proud to collaborate with the Massachusetts State Police, local police departments, and community organizations to ensure these resources reach the youth who will benefit most.”
Massachusetts State Police Troopers, Cadets and Command Staff handed out the devices with PAL and AT&T volunteers. Kids and families attending had a chance to enjoy refreshments and interact with the Troopers.
Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police said: “The Massachusetts State Police is honored to collaborate with PAL and AT&T in connecting local students to new learning opportunities through these laptops. Serving our community is core to the mission of the Massachusetts State Police and being able to witness the youth and our Troopers interact through different regional programs receive this gift is so rewarding. It is our hope that these laptops help these deserving students have a successful school year.”
In the coming months, PAL of Massachusetts and AT&T will be giving away a second batch of 100 refurbished laptops to students in Everett.
As an independent non-profit organization, PAL seeks to foster a culture of trust and respect between the community and law enforcement through supporting innovative programs and engagement opportunities. PAL remains focused on building positive and impactful relationships between police and kids by helping support and deliver community engagement programs designed to impact, inspire, and empower youth.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
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. This includes distributing hundreds of computers and connected devices to students and their families across Massachusetts in recent years.
Access to connectivity is vital for students and we are honored that we can provide these resources to those who need them most.
