At AT&T, we believe every student deserves an opportunity to make their dreams a reality. And we have been working to help bring the right resources and the right technology to the right places, so that students can achieve their goals. That’s why we teamed up with Good Shepherd Services and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region to open two new AT&T Connected Learning Centers (CLC) in Brooklyn and Schenectady.
These modern technology spaces will provide internet access and high-quality educational tools and programming to kids who encounter barriers to online participation.
Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) joined Mayor Gary McCarthy, officials from Girls Inc. and AT&T on October 30th to launch the Schenectady center.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve been committed to ensuring that all of our nation’s students have access to the tools they need to grow and thrive in the digital age,” said Congressman Tonko. “That’s why today, I’m thrilled to join Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region to celebrate the grand opening of their Connected Learning Center — a new partnership with AT&T that will help close the digital divide and deliver essential technological resources to those who need them most. This initiative is a major step forward for girls across our Capital Region, and I’m eager to see how this new facility will connect our students with the digital learning opportunities they need to succeed.”
In Schenectady, the new center at Girls Inc. will equip K-5 grade girls in the after-school program with state-of-the-art technology, including computers and digital learning tools, to help bridge the digital divide and foster a tech-forward learning environment. In addition to AT&T’s support, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region recently completed renovations on two other rooms in its Schenectady location thanks to funding from the Capital Region Chamber.
“We are thrilled to partner with AT&T in this transformative effort to expand digital learning for our girls,” said Ashli Fragomeni, CEO of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. “Access to technology is vital for young students, and this new space will give them the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.”
The Connected Learning Center in Brooklyn is located at The Joseph Miccio Cornerstone Community Center and operated by Good Shepherd Services. The center offers free access to digital resources, including computer stations, Wi-Fi, a podcasting station and other connected technology. Good Shepherd Services is one of the largest nonprofit youth and family services providers in New York City, operating over 90 programs that support more than 30,000 residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
“Expanding access to broadband, educational tools, and technical programming are critical to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that young people have the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. We thank AT&T for their generous donation and partnership in opening this vital Connecting Learning Center, which will encourage youth in the Red Hook community to explore how critical technology is to their future,” said Michelle Yanche, CEO of Good Shepherd Services. “As we open the doors to this Center, we do so with a clear commitment to supporting the next generation of learners and leaders for years to come.”
Both centers also provide educational resources such as The Achievery, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association.
Each center was made possible through a $50,000 investment from AT&T and directly reflects the company’s commitment to get more kids connected and make an impact in New York. With the opening of these two centers, AT&T has now launched 7 Connected Learning Centers across the state of New York, with five others currently operating at nonprofit organizations. The company plans to open ten CLCs in New York state by the end of the year.
AT&T launches Connected Learning Centers as part of the AT&T Connected Learning® 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 internet by 2030.
AT&T opens these centers 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 committed to opening at least 100 locations by the end of 2027.
Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.
