A few weeks ago, we were proud to open a new Connected Learning Center inside the Salvation Army’s Northwest Community Center in West Palm Beach to provide internet access and education tools to those who face connectivity barriers holding them back from participating in the modern world. In addition, AT&T has made a $50,000 contribution to the Salvation Army for additional support of the center.
Did you know that in Palm Beach County School District, it’s estimated that more than 38,000 K-12 students 38,000 K-12 students1 don’t have access to the internet or computers at home to fully participate in the modern world? This is an issue known as the digital divide. AT&T Gulf States president, Joe York said it best, at AT&T we’re proud to provide connectivity, digital tools and educational resources that give Palm Beach County residents the opportunity to succeed today and tomorrow. AT&T’s investment in the Connected Learning Center at The Salvation Army NW Community Center directly reflects our commitment to helping bridge the digital divide and making an impact in the communities we serve.
This is the first Connected Learning Center that AT&T has opened in Florida. In all, we plan to launch more than 50 total centers across the country by mid-2024. And this new center is part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative and our 3 year $2 billion commitment made in 2021 to address the digital divide through investments in internet accessibility, affordability and the safe adoption of technology. These centers are housed within local non-profit organizations supporting communities in need. They will help bridge the digital divide by providing free access to range of digital resources for students and families all under one roof, including: high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, computers, free education resources, and tutoring and mentoring from AT&T employees.
The free educational resources within the center will provide students with engaging content and activities to support online learning outside the classroom and help parents and caregivers build skills and confidence using technology. These include The Achievery, a free digital learning platform created by AT&T, as well as free digital literacy courses and workshops created with the Public Library Association.
“We are grateful to AT&T for their generous support which will allow us to offer more programming opportunities at our NW Community Center. Corporate supporters like AT&T are vital to our efforts to provide hope to those in the community who need it,” said Major James (Chip) Hall, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County. “We are pleased to have these new computers as we continue to pilot new educational programs for our Palm Beach Community.”
The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center is a worship, arts, education, and recreation facility located in West Palm Beach. The center serves as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for the spiritually, creatively, and physically hungry members and community alike. The opening of this new Connected Learning Center will help equip South Florida youth, families and seniors with the resources they need to strengthen digital literacy skills, apply for jobs or access healthcare.
About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County
The Salvation Army (established in 1865) is one of the most significant global nonprofit providers of social services to people living in impoverished communities worldwide. The Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need. The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County has helped countless individuals and families overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services since 1922.
*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 to 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.
