As dozens of Chicago students gathered for a ribbon-cutting launch of the new state-of-the-art AT&T Connected Learning Center at BUILD on the city’s west side, the celebration event was filled with encouragement and possibility.

“You never know how connecting to the internet can open your life to something new. Your future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. So dream big…because Connecting Changes Everything!” said Eileen Mitchell, President, AT&T Illinois.

Chicago Bulls’ mascot “Benny the Bull” surprised students by delivering the ceremonial big scissors. With a quick countdown and a snip of the ribbon, the Connected Learning Center was open, “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang was blaring, and the launch event party was in full force.

The new AT&T Connected Learning Center inside BUILD in Chicago provides internet access and high-quality educational tools to residents who encounter barriers to online participation. In addition, AT&T made a $50,000 contribution to BUILD for programming support.

“Today, we’re not just celebrating this new space, but the bright futures it will help allow,” said Bradly Johnson, Interim CEO at BUILD. “And none of this would be possible without the partnership, leadership and commitment of AT&T.”