Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide Across the Commonwealth

Addressing the digital divide

Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide Across the Commonwealth

Garrett McGuireRegional Director, AT&T External Affairs

February 13, 2024

Addressing the digital divide

Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide Across the Commonwealth

Garrett McGuireRegional Director, AT&T External Affairs

February 13, 2024

Key insights

On February 3, AT&T joined the Vision Driven 757 “Building Bosses Youth Empowerment Conference” in Norfolk to distribute 100 laptops to students.

Last fall, AT&T helped celebrate Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County by distributing 150 laptops to students in Fairfax County.

Our support of these programs is a part of AT&T’s Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

On February 3, I joined some of my colleagues from Hampton Roads at the Vision Driven 757 “Building Bosses Youth Empowerment Conference” in Norfolk.

It was inspiring to see so many young people spending a Saturday learning from area professionals about potential career paths; focusing on building their interpersonal skills; and showcasing their talents. It was also great to see so many professionals sharing their time and talent to help young people from throughout the area.

Lindsey Anderson, executive director of Vision Driven 757, said the event was designed to empower and inspire the youth of Hampton Roads so they can develop the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to become future leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers.

During the event, we gave out 100 laptops to students to enable them to access the internet and the myriad digital tools and opportunities available online.

You can check out photos from the event here.

Celebrating Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County

To celebrate Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County last fall, AT&T, the Minority Tech Foundation and Fairfax County worked together to distribute 150 laptops to students and families in Fairfax County. The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Human I-T, were given to area residents in need during special events at the Hybla Valley Community Center and other locations in the County.

Aaron Connley, CIO, Minority Tech Foundation said: “Our organization is honored to be working with our industry partners such as AT&T and committed in supporting the dire need of digital inclusion, equity, and skills development for underserved individuals.”

You can learn more about our work with the MTF here.

In addition to the laptops, the students will also have access to The Achievery, a free online learning platform created by AT&T to provide K-12 students with engaging and entertaining content paired with learning activities for everywhere today’s connected students learn.

Our support of these programs is a part of AT&T’s Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

We look forward to working with organizations across the Commonwealth to help bridge the digital divide and connect Virginians to greater possibility.

Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide Across the Commonwealth