At AT&T we say, ‘connecting changes everything.’ Here in New York, we’re honored to work with so many dedicated organizations that help connect communities with much-needed resources.
During the holidays, it is especially important for all of us to work together to address the challenges faced by local families and increase community engagement.
Here in New York, we believe this mission includes helping to ensure every community can thrive in the digital age. And we’re putting that belief into action in this season of giving.
This past week, AT&T distributed nearly 500 refurbished laptops to New York organizations to distribute to recipients in need.
Working with the YMCA of Greater New York, 250 of these devices were given to local teens, seniors and families at an event in the Northeast Bronx.
Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, said: “Together, AT&T and the YMCA are creating a more inclusive economy for New Yorkers of all ages, by strengthening access to learning, technology, and opportunity. We are enormously grateful for AT&T’s continued investment in the Y’s efforts in the Bronx and across New York City to ensure that every New Yorker has the resources and tools they need to succeed.”
U.S. Congressman George Latimer, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and several other public officials were on-hand to help distribute the devices and thank the YMCA volunteers who made the day possible.
The next day, we shifted up to Yonkers where AT&T donated 230 refurbished laptops to Yonkers Partners in Education. The computers were given to graduating seniors and college-age students.
Sam Wallis, CEO of Yonkers Partners in Education, said: “This contribution isn’t just helping students today, it is preparing them for the careers of tomorrow. These laptops will support students through high school, into college, and as they begin building professional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We are grateful to AT&T for this donation and for investing in our students’ potential and their futures.”
AT&T has distributed thousands of computers to students and their families across New York since 2021.
Access to connectivity, devices, and digital education is vital so that students of all ages can take full advantage of technology and put their imaginations to work. In addition to laptop distributions, AT&T has opened 13 AT&T Connected Learning Centers (CLC) to provide a free space within communities where people can access high-speed internet, computers and educational resources.
Our most recent CLCs launched on Long Island in October and in Staten Island in August. With the Staten Island launch, an AT&T Connected Learning Center is operating in every NYC borough (with two in the Bronx!).
All of these efforts are part of an AT&T initiative to help address the digital divide in America 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.
Beyond the digital divide, our community efforts in New York extend into the neighborhoods where we live, work and serve. For example, this past Thanksgiving, our team supported and participated in a turkey and food supply giveaway in Brooklyn with CABS and U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. We’re grateful and proud to support their efforts to increase food security in New York City.
We are committed to connecting New Yorkers. That means investing heavily in our network to ensure fast, reliable service; and it means investing heavily in New York communities themselves. But we can’t do it without collaborating with remarkable organizations like the YMCA, YPIE, CABS and others. These organizations deserve great credit for the way they work hand-in-hand to identify challenges and create solutions through corporate partnerships.
From our AT&T family to yours, we wish all our friends across New York a happy and safe holiday season.
