“We do not take for granted the importance of connectivity, digital literacy and technical support needed to succeed in today’s world,” said Dr. Allen Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio. “This new space will help open doors for the students and families we serve and unlock a world of learning. We appreciate AT&T’s support and commitment here in Akron and across Northeast Ohio, as we continue our collaborative work to bridge the digital divide.”

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined Smith, AT&T, local youth and families at an official launch event on October 8th.

“Access to technology and reliable internet is increasingly essential for education, employment, and so many parts of everyday life,” said Mayor Malik. “This new Connected Learning Center gives Akron students and families another place where they can access those tools and the support to use them. We’re grateful to AT&T for this investment in our community and to the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio for continuing to create opportunities for young people and families in Akron.”

This Connected Learning Center is the first in Akron and the fourth overall in Ohio. It offers free access to digital resources, including high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi and Dell computers. It also provides educational resources such as The AchieverySM, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Tutoring and mentoring are also available to be provided by AT&T employees and community leaders. 

AT&T also provided 50 free refurbished laptops to local families who were preselected prior to this event.

This effort is part of AT&T’s 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 high-speed internet by 2030.

AT&T opens these centers within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting members of their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families. The company opened its 100th Connected Learning Center in 2026, marking a major milestone in its nationwide expansion.

As part of their commitment to digital inclusion, Dell Technologies has donated Dell OptiPlex computers with integrated audio and webcams.