Paving the Way for Students in Chicago Through Connectivity
Addressing the digital divide
Paving the Way for Students in Chicago Through Connectivity
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Key insights
01
At Chicago’s newest AT&T Connected Learning Center, students like Christian Aleman are taking advantage of resources like high-speed internet and access to computers.
02
We’re working to help close the digital divide by promoting broadband availability, affordability and adoption.
03
In Illinois, we’ve contributed more than $2.1 million since 2021 to organizations working to help bridge the digital divide across the state.
“I just can’t wait to start using these computers.”
That’s what Christian Aleman told us, as Chicago’s newest AT&T Connected Learning Center opened on the city’s southwest side.
Six months later, the 8th grader says that the center’s new high-speed internet access and computers are helping him tackle his homework – writing essays, in particular. He’s also researching high schools and completing some selective-enrollment and private high school applications.
In addition, because he enjoys building and creating with his hands, Christian really enjoyed participating in a robot-building activity at the center, an event where local AT&T employees volunteered to help young Chicago students learn.
This is all part of AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative, where we’re focused on helping to close the digital divide by promoting broadband availability, affordability and adoption. Here’s what we’re doing in Illinois:
Availability
- More than $3.1 billion invested in our wired and wireless networks in Illinois from 2019-2021.
Affordability
- Making no-cost home internet possible for households in need by combining our $30 Access from AT&T plans providing up to 100Mbps service and unlimited data with the up to $30 ACP benefit.1
Adoption
- Opened two AT&T Connected Learning Centers in Chicago to provide students and families with free access to high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, computers and technical resources.
- More than $2.1 million contributed since 2021 to organizations working to help bridge the digital divide in Illinois.
- More than 400 refurbished computers donated to Illinoisans as part of device donations throughout the state.
- Launched a series of digital literacy courses and workshops with the Public Library Association (PLA).
- Employee volunteerism: AT&T employees in Illinois are volunteering to help students learn and apply digital skills.
- Digital Learning Tools: AT&T launched The Achievery, a free digital learning platform.
For Christian, AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative is making a world of difference.
“They have helped me with my schoolwork by giving me more access to things, faster internet, and a bigger screen really helps.”
Here at AT&T, we’re beyond proud to help connect today’s students and their families with the skills, tools and opportunities for success – in and out of the classroom.
1 Plans up to 100Mbps and includes unlimited data. Limited availability/areas. Free internet subject to household’s continued ACP eligibility and application of the ACP benefit to Access from AT&T plans.
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