As part of $2 billion commitment to address the digital divide, AT&T is opening three new Connected Learning Centers in Los Angeles to provide internet access and education tools to those who face connectivity barriers vital to their long-term success.
In California, it’s estimated that more than 1.3 million K-12 students1 don’t have internet at home. AT&T is extending our reach into the communities most affected by the digital divide, starting with the openings of AT&T Connected Learning Centers at Coalition for Responsible Community Development’s YouthSource Center, Salvadoran American Leadership & Education Fund (SALEF) and Vermont Slauson EDC Technology Training Center.
“The City of Los Angeles is committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all Angelenos have access to reliable internet service,” said City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, “AT&T’s Connected Learning Centers will provide new opportunities to students in Los Angeles who have struggled to stay connected during this pandemic.”
Each of the three Connected Learning Centers will provide the students and families within these Los Angeles organizations access to high-speed AT&T Fiber internet and Wi-Fi.
As part of its ongoing commitment to championing digital inclusion for underserved communities, Dell Technologies will donate Dell OptiPlex computers and Dell monitors which feature integrated audio and webcams to support virtual learning. Additionally, Overland-Tandberg, a leading global technology and IT services company, will lead the onsite configuration of the computers. The company, a Black-owned corporation, is part of AT&T’s $3 billion Supplier Diversity initiative. The students and families will also have access to education content from collaborators like Khan Academy and mentoring support from AT&T employees.
On December 14, AT&T will launch first of three AT&T Connected Learning Centers in Los Angeles at Coalition for Responsible Community Development’s (CRCD) YouthSource Center. CRCD’s mission is to better sustain, coordinate and improve local planning, development and community services that address the needs of low-income and working-class residents and small businesses in South Los Angeles.
In all, AT&T plans to open more than 20 centers across the country. Centers will be housed within local organizations that support underserved populations, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families.
“Students in South Los Angeles deserve access to the internet connectivity that is mission-critical to receiving a high-quality education,” said Mark Wilson, president and chief executive officer, CRCD. “The AT&T Connected Learning Center will give the families we serve access to free internet service, computers, digital tools and educational content to help them participate in virtual learning, apply for jobs through our City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center, and set them up for success in the future.”
“We thank CRCD and AT&T for their work to help address the digital divide in South Los Angeles,” said City of Los Angeles Councilman Curren Price, “As technology becomes increasingly essential in our daily lives, it is imperative that our students have the digital tools to achieve their learning objectives and prepare for future careers.”
“Our investment in these three AT&T Connected Learning Centers is a reflection of our commitment to help connect every family in California,” said Rhonda Johnson, president, AT&T California. “With these Connected Learning Centers, we will bring critical connectivity and digital resources to underserved students and families across Los Angeles.”
