Curiosity brought most kids over to check out AT&T’s sleek, black four-legged robot walking around Brooklyn’s Major R. Owens Community Center, but their love of STEM kept them there asking question after question. From, “What is it?” and “Can it see me?” to more detailed inquiries about the robot dog’s power source, durability, battery life and remote capabilities, the group of middle and high school students peppered AT&T technicians – and impressed them with their interest in and knowledge of advanced technology.
These teens were in Brooklyn on a Saturday morning to participate in Digital Girl, Inc.’s 2025 Hackathon, held in conjunction with the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The event was sponsored by a $25,000 AT&T contribution to Digital Girl, Inc.
Throughout the day, 100 middle and high school students worked with each other and educators to develop their own apps, while learning STEM and coding skills.
The theme of this year’s Hackathon was “Community Builds,” and students were encouraged to create an app that they felt could benefit their community and the everyday lives of their neighbors.
With that theme in mind, students had a chance to interact with the latest public safety technology and equipment deployed by FirstNet®, Built with AT&T. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders in a public-private partnership with the federal government.
At the Hackathon, AT&T showcased drones, connected vehicles and its robotic dog, as well as dedicated FirstNet portable network assets that can all be deployed during emergencies and natural disasters to support public safety in their response efforts. Students and adults alike were able to try out some of this state-of-the-art technology and visit with those who operate it in the field alongside first responders. AT&T has collaborated with numerous organizations and agencies to support community efforts and engagement opportunities for first responders.
As much as they enjoyed the robot dog, attendees loved the real thing more. FirstNet also brought along Benny, a real-life labradoodle comfort dog who is part of the FirstNet therapy dog program, “ROG the Dog.” Dogs in this program can be deployed to support significant events facing public safety, such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other critical incidents. But on Saturday, Benny was on-hand to cheer on the Hackathon participants, and to scope out his mechanical doppelganger.
The biggest surprise of the day came when the Hackathon participants learned that each of them would be receiving a free laptop. AT&T and Human-I-T provided Digital Girl, Inc. with 100 refurbished laptops for participants to utilize during the Hackathon and then take home.
Founded in 2014, Digital Girl, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit whose mission is to empower inner-city youth to pursue careers and studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). To date, they have served more than 11,000 participants across New York City and beyond, bridging the digital divide and creating pathways for the next generation of innovators.
“At Digital Girl, Inc., we believe in empowering young people to use technology to dream big and build solutions that strengthen our communities. Hackathon 2025 gave our students the chance to learn and see themselves as future innovators. We are deeply grateful to AT&T for collaborating with us to make this experience possible,” said Toni Robinson, President of Digital Girl, Inc.’s Board of Directors.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke attended the Hackathon and met with the student participants.
“As a longtime advocate for students within Brooklyn and across America to receive strong STEM educations, I’ll always celebrate the Hackathon as a special opportunity for our most dedicated young people to push their skills to their limits, think outside the box, and create something truly inspiring that can make waves in the digital age. The more than 100 teens who participated today not only gave an impressive demonstration of what we can expect to see in the final stretch of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, but they also proved exactly what Brooklyn’s best and brightest can achieve when they put their talents towards a purpose. For that, they should be extraordinarily proud of themselves,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Thank you to Digital Girl, Inc. for their tireless support of Brooklyn’s boys and girls throughout their journeys in STEM, as well as to our friends at AT&T for providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. I look forward to our continued partnership in our work to ensure every exceptional young person in this nation has the resources and encouragement they deserve, wherever their lives take them.”
The donated refurbished laptops and support for the Hackathon are part of AT&T’s ongoing initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T has committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing thousands of computers and connected devices to students and their families across New York in recent years.
At AT&T, we’re committed to helping ensure that every community can thrive in the digital age. Access to connectivity, devices, and digital education is vital so that kids can take full advantage of technology and put their imaginations to work. We’re proud to collaborate with dedicated organizations like Digital Girl, Inc., and grateful for the support of leaders like Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Together, we can bring real opportunities and effective resources to New York City neighborhoods.
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