Opening Doors to Opportunity: Six New Connected Learning Centers Coming to California
Opening Doors to Opportunity: Six New Connected Learning Centers Coming to California
As we modernize our California network ensuring broadband access for all, AT&T is opening six new Connected Learning Centers in 2026. Each site will provide high-speed internet, computers, digital skills resources and $50,000 in support for a local nonprofit partner.
Key insights
“Partnering with AT&T is a gamechanger for our youth! We’re beyond excited to bring the digital world closer to our community through our new Connected Learning Center,” said Patti Birmingham, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura. “By offering the tools and resources our young people need to stay connected, informed, and active, we’re opening doors to endless possibilities. This partnership ensures that every boy and girl we serve has the confidence and access to navigate the digital age and continue to live their best life!”
“The partnership with AT&T to launch a Connected Learning Center at the Florence Douglas Senior Center will help expand access to essential digital tools and skills for our seniors,” said Emmanuel Carrie, Executive Director, Florence Douglas Senior Center. “This investment supports greater connection, independence, and opportunity for the community members we serve. We are truly elated about the possibilities this resource brings, and we look forward to offering it to the greater Vallejo community.”
Meeting communities where they are
Connected Learning Centers help close access gaps by giving communities a place to get online, use devices and build digital confidence. In California, 41% of low-income households still lack either high-speed internet or an internet-compatible device, underscoring the need for trusted spaces like these.
The six new CLC sites this year come as AT&T recently announced a commitment to invest $19 billion in California through 2030 to connect more Californians to greater opportunity through expanded fiber and cell connectivity.
“Everything we do at AT&T is grounded in access to connection, beginning with reliable technology and resources essential to thrive in today’s digitally driven world.” said Susan Santana, President, AT&T California. “Our Connected Learning Centers in California reflect this commitment by providing space for community members to meaningfully engage online in a place where access to connection turns into opportunity.”
Investing in communities across California
Since 2021, 89 Connected Learning Centers across 25 states, including 17 in California, have served more than 167,000 people. With six more planned this year, AT&T is continuing to invest in trusted community spaces that support students, families and older adults across the state.
- Coalition for Responsible Community Development’s (CRCD) Vernon Central Network Youth Source Center – Los Angeles
- Asian Pacific American Community Center – San Francisco
- Salvadoran American Leadership & Education Fund (SALEF) – Los Angeles
- Vermont Slauson EDC Technology Training Center – Los Angeles
- The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians – Valley Center
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Pinoleville Pomo Nation – Ukiah
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim-Cypress Manzanita Clubhouse – Anaheim
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento Thomas P. Raley Teen Center – Sacramento
- Fresno County Boys & Girls Clubs Clovis Club – Clovis
- Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness Southern Indian Health Council – Alpine
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Redwoods – Eureka
- Janet Goeske Senior and Disabled Center – Riverside
- Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley Paradise Teen Center – Paradise
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County – Salinas
- East Oakland Youth Development Center – Oakland
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula – Menlo Park
- Digital Nest – Salinas
AT&T is committed to advancing the infrastructure, technology and tools to meet Californians’ needs today. AT&T is making good on our commitment to connect all Californians – that means access to connectivity, devices and digital skills training opening doors for greater possibility.
Real people, real impact
Mary, Janet Goeske Foundation Senior Center – Riverside: At an Email Basics workshop, Mary reconnected with her email account for the first time in five years—with a little help from staff. Inside, she discovered long-unopened messages that included photos from a dear friend, bringing back cherished memories of her beloved dogs. What began as a simple digital skills class became a meaningful reminder of how technology can reconnect people to moments of joy and connection.
Karen Nino Valente and Angel Echegaray, CRCD’s Vernon Central Network Youth Source Center – Los Angeles: Karen used the Connected Learning Center to complete schoolwork and later enroll in work force programs after graduating high school, helping her stay on track academically and professionally. Now placed with the American Red Cross, she is gaining hands-on experience supporting community members while building skills for her future.
Angel leveraged the Connected Learning Center and 1:1 coaching to apply, train, and complete a VITA Tax Preparer internship—overcoming barriers from not having a personal computer. Now pursuing a business degree at CSU Northridge, he continues to build skills and experience toward a career in economics.
Demand continues to grow, and AT&T plans to open at least 100 Connected Learning Centers nationwide by 2027.
This work is part of AT&T’s initiative to help close the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. By 2030, AT&T aims to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet through a $5 billion commitment. This includes distributing more than 31,000 computers and devices across California.
“We know that expanding access and connectivity and enhancing digital literacy empowers communities. That’s what we’ll strive to do in 2026,” added Santana. “Through collective efforts in neighborhoods across the state, we can build a more connected California where every individual has the resources they need to succeed.”
Learn more at att.com.