While school’s out for the summer (at least for a few more weeks), I joined my teammates from AT&T, local leaders, parents and students for a celebration of learning in Hot Springs.

We cut the ribbon at a new Connected Learning Center inside The Hot Springs Family YMCA to provide internet access and high-quality educational tools to residents who encounter barriers to online participation. In addition, AT&T made a $50,000 investment to the organization for programming support.

As part of this project, we teamed up with Human I-T to distribute 100 laptops to students, along with backpacks stuffed with notebooks, pencils, and headphones, as well as cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees. 

Earlier in the day, before our grand opening celebration, students and adults participated in hands-on digital skills workshops led by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Students learned foundational coding concepts through a video game development activity, while adults built their confidence using essential digital tools, including smartphone features, Wi-Fi connectivity, apps, and verified online resources.

Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, shared that “Through hands-on workshops and learning experiences, we are helping young people and adults build the confidence and skills needed to participate and thrive in today’s digital world.”

We also appreciate the local and state leaders who helped make the celebration a success.   

State Senator Matt McKee said the CLC is “a great addition to our community.  He added that “access to digital skills training and resources is pivotal to the growth of our next generation. Our future is based in technology, and AT&T’s investment will only strengthen the success of our families and students.”

State Representative Bruce Cozart, who represents the portion of Hot Springs where the YMCA is located, said our work “will provide our community and individuals with the critical connectivity and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

This Connected Learning Center is the first in Hot Springs and the second in Arkansas. 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 provided by AT&T employees and community leaders.  

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.

We open these centers within local nonprofit organizations, like the YMCA, that are already adept at supporting underserved populations within their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families. 

Our investment in the Connected Learning Center at the Hot Springs Area YMCA reflects our commitment to get more Americans connected and make an impact in the communities we serve.  The center will give local families access to free internet connectivity, educational and mentoring resources to help them succeed in digital school and job environments.

We had a great day in Hot Springs. Thanks to everyone who helped make this opening so successful.  

Learn more about our other work in Arkansas at Arkansas.att.com.