What’s the news? One hundred refurbished laptops will be given to Greenville students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. AT&T is working with Human I-T to provide Communities In Schools of South Carolina with computers and other resources. The computers, funded by an AT&T donation to Human I-T, will be given to Greenville area residents in need to help them fully participate in our modern world.
Why is this important?
In Greenville, it’s estimated that more than 6,200 K-12 students1 don’t have access to the internet, computers or skills needed at home to benefit from the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide, $2 billion commitment from 2021- 2023, to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
Communities In Schools of South Carolina works directly inside 39 Title I schools across the state to connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future.
What are people saying?
“Closing the digital divide is one of our top priorities in Greenville County, and AT&T’s investment in Greenville through its fiber infrastructure and this laptop donation is helping us accomplish that,” said Greenville County Council Vice-Chairman Liz Seman. “We are grateful for AT&T for equipping Greenville residents with the technology and connectivity they need to thrive.”
“In today’s world, having access to digital resources is a critical component in how the students Communities In Schools serves connect to the future," said Jamie Cooper, CEO, Communities In Schools of South Carolina. “AT&T’s donation of digital devices will provide Greenville youth and families access to technology to help them complete homework, develop essential job skills, and give them the tools they need to reach their fullest potential.”
“In addition to our fiber investments in Greenville, AT&T is proud invest in initiatives that help Greenville students and families connect to greater possibilities. This collaboration with Communities In Schools of South Carolina and Human I-T is another example of how we are helping close the digital equity gap,” said Terrance Ford, Vice President of External Affairs, AT&T South Carolina. “Access to computers is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are proud to provide these resources to those that need them most.”
About Communities In Schools of South Carolina
Communities In Schools® is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside 39 Title I schools across the state, Communities In Schools of South Carolina connects students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Learn more at cisofsc.org.
About Human-I-T
Human-I-T is a 501(c)3 social enterprise that creates equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for community members, while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect the planet. To learn more, please visit https://www.human-i-t.org.
*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021- 2023 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
SCBIZtv is part of the SC Biz News family, serving 100,000 high-level business execs throughout South Carolina.
Click for more from SCBIZtv.
