Addressing the digital divide
A “Back to School” Boost: AT&T Delivers Laptops To 100 Cleveland Students
Connecting Students in Youngstown and East Cleveland
Addressing the digital divide
Connecting Students in Youngstown and East Cleveland
February 2, 2026
Key insights
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In November, AT&T and Oak Hill Collaborative distributed 50 refurbished laptops in Youngstown.
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Then in December, AT&T worked with the East Cleveland Public Library (ECPL) to distribute another 50 refurbished laptops directly to East Cleveland residents in need.
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In Ohio, AT&T has addressed this directly by donating more than 4,000 laptops to individuals in need and opening three AT&T Connected Learning Centers.
As 2025 came to an end, AT&T kept pace with its ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Ohio.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world. In Ohio, AT&T has addressed this directly by donating more than 4,000 laptops to individuals in need and opening three AT&T Connected Learning Centers.
These efforts continued in November when AT&T and Oak Hill Collaborative distributed 50 refurbished laptops in Youngstown. The laptops, provided by Human-I-T, were provided to residents who completed Oak Hill Collaborative’s Hardware 4 Homes Program. The devices included free Microsoft Office Suite licensing, a one-year warranty, a year of tech support and assistance, and accessories such as a mouse and mousepad.
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“AT&T and Human-I-T’s donation to bridge the Digital Divide locally is critical for many residents, whether they use these devices at home, for work, to shop, to apply for government benefits and access telehealth services, or anything else they may need. By completing our program these residents have proven they know how to use these devices, and we want to ensure they stay connected to what matters most.”
Patrick Kerrigan
Executive Director of Oak Hill
Oak Hill Collaborative’s Hardware 4 Homes Program allows qualifying residents to learn and earn technology. After completing eight different classes, residents graduate with a free laptop. All classes are free and start with beginner-friendly skills and hands-on training, and scale upwards to include workshops on intermediate and advanced applications and programs.
Then in December, AT&T worked with the East Cleveland Public Library (ECPL) to distribute another 50 refurbished laptops directly to East Cleveland residents in need.
“The East Cleveland Public Library is proud to partner with AT&T for this year’s Community Winter Event. Thanks to AT&T’s generous sponsorship, 50 laptops will be distributed to families in our community, helping to expand access to technology and support digital learning,” said A’Sarah Green, I.T. Network Manager at the East Cleveland Public Library. “This contribution reflects a shared commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering residents with the tools they need to succeed. We are grateful for AT&T’s support and excited to bring valuable resources to the families we serve.”
The devices were handed out during the library’s annual holiday toy drive.
Nationally, AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. The efforts in Ohio are part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
AT&T is committed to connecting people to greater possibilities in Ohio. We know that access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and are proud to collaborate with dedicated organizations like the East Cleveland Public Library and Oak Hill Collaborative.
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