More than 100 residents gathered outside on a sunny November morning to launch the newest AT&T Connected Learning Center^SM (CLC), located in the Bronx, NY, at the Edenwald Houses. The project is the result of a collaboration between the New York City Computer Lab Initiative and AT&T, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Camber Property Group and its Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) partner team, as well as the Edenwald Houses Tenant Association. The CLC will provide internet access and high-quality educational tools and programming to residents of the Edenwald Houses and the surrounding community who encounter barriers to online participation.

The CLC, made possible through funding to the New York City Computer Lab Initiative from AT&T ($30,000) and a Safe in the City Grant from DYCD ($15,000), will be temporarily housed in a mobile office on the grounds of the Edenwald Houses during ongoing upgrades and renovations, before being moved into a permanent space inside the building at a later date.

The NYC Computer Lab Initiative aims to address the digital divide, said David Solomon Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Ikhodi and The NYC Computer Lab Initiative. “While every young person will not pursue S.T.E.A.M. related careers, every career that they pursue will involve technology in some capacity, even potential entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition, if we tell our youth to say ‘no’ to something, we must give them an option of what to say ‘yes’ to. Safe spaces, education and opportunities for employment are the options that we are providing.”

In New York City, almost a quarter of households lack a broadband subscription, and that percentage is even higher for Black, Hispanic, low-income and senior households. This CLC will offer families a safe, dedicated space to engage with technology.

“As part of Mayor Adams’ priority of a more equitable city for all, DYCD is proud to support this CLC through a Safe in the City Grant. By providing residents with internet access and programming, we keep them engaged, safe, and connected to opportunities so they can flourish,” said NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Keith Howard. “DYCD thanks the NYC Computer Lab Initiative, AT&T, Camber Property Group, the Edenwald Houses Tenant Association, and all our partners who are helping to bridge the digital divide.”