There may not be a better feeling than putting a free laptop into the hands of a young student — because that connectivity fuels potential, promise and possibility.

As part of our work to bridge the digital divide, AT&T has distributed free laptops and devices to students and families throughout the state.

To date, we’ve distributed nearly 8,000 free laptops and devices to Illinois students and families over the last five years.

That includes more than 1,000 free laptops with our friends at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago — most recently at the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club just blocks away from the United Center on Chicago’s west side.