What’s the news?
As part of its nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide, AT&T is working with Human-I-T to provide local Salt Lake City organizations with a total of 325 laptops. The computers, courtesy of a donation from AT&T, will be given to local students and families in need to help them participate in online learning and the digital world.
NBA Legend and former Utah Jazz player, Boris Diaw, will be onsite to help distribute computers to recipient families. Local non-profits Latinos in Action, Promise South Salt Lake, Salt Lake Education Foundation and Neighborhood House will choose families to be recipients of the computers.
The computer distribution will kick off AT&T’s presence during NBA All-Star week, including Marquee Partner of NBA Crossover, All-Star Media Day and Practice presented by AT&T, NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, AT&T Pregame Concert, and AT&T Blue Carpet.
Why is this important?
In Salt Lake City, it’s estimated that more than 3,300 K-12 students1 don’t have access to the internet, computers or skills needed to benefit from the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
Salt Lake Education Foundation, Latinos in Action, Promise South Salt Lake and Neighborhood House will receive computers from Human-I-T and AT&T. These local, non-profit organizations facilitate the distribution of computers to students and families in need. Providing students and families with computers will give them the opportunity to gain the access needed to thrive in this modern world. From completing homework to filling out job applications, they are connected to a greater possibility.
What are people saying?
“At Salt Lake City School District, we are committed to ensuring that students have the tools necessary to be successful in school and in life,” said Dr. Martin Bates, Salt Lake City School District’s interim superintendent. “Today, access to an in-home computer and internet is essential to ensure success. That is why we are both excited and grateful to work with AT&T and Human-I-T.”
“Broadband helps many of us connect to work, school and family,” said Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City’s mayor. “Unfortunately, broadband access is often out of reach to too many Utahns. That’s why it’s important for all of us to work together to help ensure all Utahns have the tools needed to connect.”
“Today we’re empowering Salt Lake area residents with the digital tools to access opportunities online and training to make them successful,” said Gabe Middleton, CEO, Human-I-T. “At Human-I-T, we believe in inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose, and that access to technology empowers people to unlock their full potential. That’s why we’re excited to work with AT&T and local organizations to provide laptops, low-cost internet, and tech support for young people in and around Salt Lake City.”
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with Human-I-T to help close the digital divide in Salt Lake City,” said Tara Thue, President, AT&T Utah. “Many students in Salt Lake City lack the devices needed for online learning. Access to computers is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide, and we are glad we can provide these resources to the Utahns who need them most.”
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide, $2 billion commitment made in 2021 to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
The Salt Lake Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening the education opportunities of students in the Salt Lake City School District. Our mission is to promote student success in the Salt Lake City School District by using private donations to supplement children’s educational experiences. Our vision is to have our students leave our schools socially aware, culturally sensitive, academically proficient, and as economically viable citizens of our community.
Latinos In Action offers an asset-based approach to bridging the graduation and opportunity gap for Latino students, working from within the educational system to create positive change. Our program operates as a year-long elective course taught by a highly-qualified teacher at the middle school, junior high, and high school level. The end goal of everything we do is to empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness. We accomplish this by focusing on four pillars: leveraging personal and cultural assets, excelling in education, serving the community, and developing leadership skills.
Promise South Salt Lake is an initiative of the City of South Salt Lake which provides dynamic, highly specialized community and out-of-school-time programming with academic and prevention focus at 14 neighborhood centers throughout the city. It is our commitment to give all youth in our community the opportunity to succeed in life. Our programs are free, open to all, and emphasize equity, diversity and putting children first. We provide safe, well rounded, data-driven programs guided by our three promises: every child has the opportunity to attend and to graduate from college; every resident has a safe, clean home and neighborhood; and everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and to prosper.
Neighborhood House’s mission is to enrich, empower and educate children and adults through quality, affordable day care and support services. Our vision is for all to receive access to the resources and opportunities they need to create successful, happy and healthy families.
*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 $2B commitment 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.
