At AT&T, we have been working to help bring the right resources and the right technology to the right places. That mission is core to our efforts in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where we recently launched an AT&T Connected Learning Center (CLC) alongside the Raritan Bay Area YMCA and Perth Amboy Police Athletic League (PAL).
Located at the PAL headquarters on Madison Avenue, part of Cathedral International, this CLC will provide residents of all ages with access to high-speed internet, modern devices such as high-powered computers and a 3D printer, and essential computer literacy. 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.
The CLC is the first in the state of New Jersey and will serve individuals of all ages, with a special focus on students, job seekers, and underserved community members who encounter barriers to online participation. The center was made possible by a $50,000 contribution from AT&T to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA.
“This partnership with AT&T brings powerful tools directly into the heart of our community,” said Steve Jobin, President & CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. “The Connected Learning Center aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen our community by providing inclusive access to opportunities that foster education, growth, and success.”
At the launch event for this CLC, AT&T also surprised local students in attendance by announcing that they would each receive a free refurbished laptop, courtesy of AT&T and Human-I-T. In total, AT&T donated 100 devices to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA to distribute to families and individuals in need.
Several local officials attended the launch event, presenting citations of recognition and congratulations to PAL, the YMCA, and AT&T.
“We’re proud to have the first Connected Learning Center in New Jersey right here in Perth Amboy,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “This kind of partnership brings real value to our neighborhoods by giving people better access to technology, education, and support services close to home. We thank AT&T, the YMCA, and our local PAL for helping bring this resource to our community.”
AT&T opens CLCs 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 CLC locations by the end of 2027.
The CLC and laptop giveaway are part of our initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
“This collaboration is a true game-changer, bringing cutting-edge tools and incredible opportunities right to the heart of our community,” said Sergeant Jessica DeJesus, President of the Perth Amboy Police Athletic League (PAL) and a member of the Perth Amboy Police Department.
AT&T has a longstanding relationship with public safety and public health through FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, the only wireless network built with and for America’s first responders. With FirstNet, the company works closely with first responders and the extended public safety community, including organizations like PAL, to provide a variety of innovative resources, technology and training.
