InterConnection has been selected as part of a 10-city project led by AT&T and Digitunity to provide more than 2,000 refurbished computers and technology support over the next two years to students and families in Seattle.
This project aims to help bridge the digital divide in Seattle by providing underserved residents with digital resources and skills training needed for online learning success. Many students across the nation are affected by the digital divide and struggle to participate1 in online learning opportunities because of unreliable internet access, lack of computers or poor digital literacy skills. This project will help students engage in today’s digital learning environment.
“We are proud to be working with AT&T and Digitunity to help tackle the digital divide head-on in Seattle,” said Ashley Gregory, program manager, InterConnection. “Through our collaboration, we will provide much-needed computers and hands-on digital training to help make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.”
This project is part of AT&T’s $2 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide from 2021-2024 through efforts that promote broadband affordability, accessibility and safe adoption. Digitunity will create alliances among device refurbishing organizations, local nonprofits, and businesses to acquire previously used computers that will be refurbished into like-new devices and distributed to underserved students affected by the digital divide.
“Our commitment to narrowing the digital divide includes ensuring that learners have both the connectivity and the devices critical to success,” said Bob Bass, president, AT&T Pacific Northwest. “Through our work with Digitunity and InterConnection, we will be able to help thousands of underserved students and their families in Seattle get access to free computers and training resources that are vital for online learning success.”
“Device ownership is foundational to digital equity, and technology reuse is a direct and logical answer to the pervasive challenge of the technology gap,” stated Karisa Tashjian, director of programs, Digitunity. “Nonprofit technology refurbishers are critical players in their communities for providing people-centered, integrated service delivery systems that equip students and their families with the digital tools and support they need, both today and in the future.”
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company-wide $2 billion commitment from 2021-2024 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity, technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
Source : https://www.newswire.com/news/interconnection-to-provide-thousands-of-free-and-low-cost-devices-to-21619281
