AT&T and Camp Fire Heart of Iowa Provide 300 Des Moines Students with Laptops
Addressing the digital divide
AT&T and Camp Fire Heart of Iowa Provide 300 Des Moines Students with Laptops
Cheryl RileyPresident, AT&T Upper Midwest States
May 22, 2026
For hundreds of students and families in Des Moines, access to technology just got a lot more possible.
Our AT&T team recently joined with Camp Fire Heart of Iowa to deliver 300 refurbished laptops to students who need reliable devices to keep learning – at school, at home, and through the summer months. The distribution took place at United Way of Central Iowa, with community partners and volunteers on hand to help students and families get set up for success.
This laptop distribution was made possible through AT&T’s support of Camp Fire’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® campaign – a nationwide tradition that encourages adults to take a moment to remind young people that they matter.
This year, AT&T is working with Camp Fire to help provide 2,500 laptops for students nationwide through the initiative, including in Des Moines.
For many students, a laptop is more than a device. It is a way to complete assignments at home, join summer classes, access tutoring, explore interests like coding or digital art, and build confidence using the tools that shape modern learning and work. As the school year winds down and summer begins, having a reliable computer at home can help young people keep their momentum going and stay engaged with new opportunities.
“These laptops are more than just devices. They are a bridge to learning, connection, and opportunity for the young people we serve,” said Owen Ballard, Executive Director, Camp Fire Heart of Iowa. “With access to technology, students can complete homework, explore new interests, and build the digital skills that will help them thrive in school and beyond. We’re grateful to AT&T for investing in our kids and helping make this moment possible.”
This local giveaway also reflects AT&T’s broader effort to help close the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability, and safe adoption. Since 2021, we’ve committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. And in 2026, we plan to distribute 30,000 laptops nationwide.
At AT&T, we believe connection opens doors to opportunity. With these laptops, we’re helping students access the tools they need to learn, explore, and build digital skills for the future – at school, at home, and wherever their goals take them.