People thrive in strong communities. That’s why at AT&T, we’re committed to helping strengthen communities in the DMV and across the country through a range of initiatives. Our philanthropic work and community engagement programs aim to help bridge the digital divide and support people with resources to help them thrive. Fueled by the passion and generosity of our employees, our efforts provide tools and opportunities that can make a difference in a community.
This fall, through a nationwide program to help bridge the digital divide, we worked together with Compudopt to equip 500 students in the DMV with laptops and backpacks as children headed back to school. This effort is part of our $5 billion commitment to help close the digital divide by addressing the main barriers to connectivity.
It all started in July when my colleagues and I who work in our Washington, DC office came together to stuff the backpacks that contained notebooks, pencils, headphones and cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees.
The first stops: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) branches in Washington, DC and Virginia, where we delivered 200 laptops to students at the branches on Benning Road in Washington, DC, followed by branches in Northern Virginia on Old Stagecoach Road in Dumfries; Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge; and Dean Park Lane in Manassas.
Nadia Pedersen, Senior Regional Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, shared with us that the laptops “will make a profound difference in the lives of our kids, especially those who do not have access to a computer at home.”
A few weeks later, our volunteers visited Horton’s Kids in Washington, DC, to distribute 150 refurbished laptops and backpacks. After the event, Niamh Klein, the organization’s Senior Manager of Academics, followed up to let us know that the laptops we distributed were already making a difference.
“Our students were able to complete their math and reading test this week thanks to the 50 laptops we received! Life was so much easier getting to test all at once and the students were able focus much more. We can now start tutoring next week strong.” Niamh said afterwards.
The next stop on our DMV tour was a visit to Aspire! Afterschool Learning in Arlington, Virginia, where we delivered 150 refurbished laptops and backpacks to students who participate in this program. Paula Fynboh, Aspire!’s CEO, shared with me that our efforts will help her team expand learning opportunities and ensure their students have the tools to succeed as learners.
Finally, in August, Garrett McGuire, our regional director of External Affairs in Virginia, and our partners at Human I-T provided Computer CORE in Alexandria with 100 refurbished laptops for Alexandria residents enrolled in a workforce-development program. AT&T also announced a $25,000 contribution to Computer CORE to help their clients improve their digital skills to prepare for careers. The announcement took place during Computer CORE’s day-long Community Celebration.
Donna Walker James, executive director of Computer CORE, said AT&T’s “gift will positively impact each new learner as they pursue career and educational advancements which we hope will lead to quality-of-life improvements including higher wages.”
Delegate Paul Krizek attended the event, sharing his perspectives on the importance of the work of Computer CORE and the role of the public, private and nonprofit sectors working together to achieve a common goal.
“In order for our communities to be strong and resilient, we need to equip our residents with the tools and connectivity that are so vital in our digital age. It’s great to see Computer CORE and AT&T coming together to help our friends and neighbors get the training they need to excel in school, on the job and in life,” Del. Krizek said.
Shandell Richards, the chief program officer of Horton’s Kids, sent me an email with a subject line that said: “Our Hearts Are Filled!”
I can speak for my colleagues when I say our hearts are filled, too.
We had a great time working with these incredible organizations to help equip young people in the DMV with the tools they will need to thrive in school and beyond – and to connect to greater possibility.
