Access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital equity gap. At AT&T, we have been collaborating with community organizations across the country and right here in New York to help us bring the right resources and the right technology to the right places.
As commencement ceremonies get underway across New York, AT&T collaborated with Human I-T and Win NY, the nation’s largest provider of family shelter and supportive housing, to deliver laptops to 50 college-bound seniors living within the Win shelter system. The donation by AT&T, celebrated recently in a ceremony with students and leadership from AT&T and Win, aims to bridge the digital gap disproportionately shouldered by those living in shelter, empowering students as they take the next steps in their academic careers.
“Graduating high school and getting accepted into college is an incredible feat for any student, and even more so for children experiencing homelessness. Our graduating seniors at Win have been forced to navigate challenging obstacles and instability, yet have persevered against the odds in pursuit of this ultimate goal,” said Christine Quinn, President & CEO of Win. “AT&T’s generous donation ensures these students are equipped for success as they embark on a new journey and their academic careers. We commend these students for their tremendous fortitude and thank AT&T for their commitment to empowering our students.”
Today’s donation comes amid a 39% increase in the homeless student population – equating to roughly 29,000 children in shelter each month in 2023. For these students, the high school drop-out rate is more than three times higher than that of their permanently housed peers, while the on-time graduation rate for those in shelter stands at just 64%.
It’s estimated that 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.
Providing these laptops is a key component of Win’s holistic approach to combating homelessness, recognizing that access to technology is crucial for underserved students. By equipping these students with the necessary tools, we are enabling them to compete with their peers, pursue their aspirations, and succeed academically. This initiative ultimately paves the way for a brighter future, empowering students to reach their full potential.
Win is the largest provider of family shelter and supportive housing in the nation, operating 14 family shelters and 9 supportive housing facilities across New York City, as well as more than 100 supportive housing units in the Bronx and Brooklyn. In the past year, Win served nearly 9,200 homeless people – including more than 5,000 children – helping them to break the cycle of homelessness. Housing instability can stymie a child’s healthy socio-emotional and cognitive development, with implications for mental health, behavioral health, and success in life.
AT&T’s support of Win NY is part of its nationwide commitment to address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to internet by 2030.
AT&T has committed more than $2.1 million from 2021–2023 to organizations and initiatives focused on closing the digital divide in New York, and has worked with non-profits to fund and distribute more than 6,100 laptops for students and families across the state since 2021.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Win to put these laptops into the hands of these graduating seniors and play a role in helping them make their dreams a reality.
