At AT&T, we believe every student deserves the tools to succeed in a connected world. Through our Bridge to Possibility initiative, we’re dedicated to addressing the digital divide and helping communities by providing essential resources to students and families. This summer, our efforts in Washington brought hundreds of laptops and backpacks into the hands of students and families in need, giving them a head start as they begin a new school year.
A Statewide Effort to Empower Youth
In July, AT&T employees in Bothell came together to assemble 1,000 backpacks, 750 of which stayed right here in Washington. These backpacks were stuffed with school supplies to complement the laptops distributed through local non-profit organizations, providing students resources they need to thrive.
Working with local organizations who identified recipients amongst their program participants ensured that these laptops and backpacks would be distributed by those who know their communities best. AT&T worked with national organizations Compudopt and Human-I-T to supply refurbished laptops and to provide tech support to recipients. Here’s a look at some of the key events that made this possible:
- Seattle Police Foundation (July 20): Joined by Hall of Famer and former Seattle Seahawks great Walter Jones, the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Police Department’s Community Service Officers held a youth football combine with high school student athletes. AT&T provided 100 laptops and backpacks to Seattle Police Foundation, some of which were provided to combine participants with the remainder being distributed by the Foundation to Seattle students throughout the school year. AT&T presented the Seattle Police Foundation a check for $5,000 to support additional community outreach in Seattle.
- Treehouse (August 6 & 15): Through Treehouse, we distributed 100 laptops and backpacks to students in Spokane, Vancouver, and Seattle. Most of the laptops were distributed to youth participating in Treehouse’s annual pop-up Back to School shopping experience, supplying foster youth with clothing and supplies in advance of the new school year.
- Friends of the Children (August 10): Friends of the Children hosted a Back to School Resource Fair with food, festivities and community resource tables staffed by Byrd Barr Place, Downtown Seattle Public Health Center, PEPS, and Rainier Valley Food Bank. AT&T and Compudopt provided 250 laptops and backpacks through Friends of the Children to families participating in the event. This distribution was paired with a $25,000 donation from AT&T, which will go toward expanding programs that support the next generation, empowering them with digital tools and resources.
- El Centro de la Raza (August 23): At El Centro de la Raza’s Si Se Puede Academy in Federal Way, we distributed an additional 150 backpacks and laptops to students in Seattle and South King County. As a vital community organization, El Centro de la Raza’s involvement helps ensure these resources reach the families who need them most.
Bridge to Possibility: Creating Opportunities for Washington’s Youth
Our Bridge to Possibility initiative is about more than just technology – it’s about opening doors and creating opportunities for students to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Access to laptops and school supplies plays a critical role in fostering digital literacy, enhancing educational opportunities, and preparing students for the future. In 2024, AT&T’s laptop and backpack distributions are a continuation of our commitment to narrowing the digital divide, especially in underserved communities.
Locally, we are so grateful for the work that organizations like the Seattle Police Foundation, Treehouse, Friends of the Children, and El Centro de la Raza do in the community and how they have helped us to reach students and families who may not otherwise have access to these essential resources. By working together, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also investing in the future of our communities.
