AT&T Opens Connected Learning Center in Detroit

As part of its $2 billion commitment to help bridge the digital divide, AT&T Michigan has opened a new AT&T Connected Learning Center inside Jefferson East Inc.’s (JEI) new Neighborhood Resource Hub in Detroit’s Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood.

In Detroit, it’s estimated that 25 percent of residents don’t have access to the internet, an issue known as the digital divide. The center will provide high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers — as well as education, tutoring and mentoring resources — for local students and community members. We are also contributing $50,000 in support of JEI programming.

“Our investment in the AT&T Connected Learning Center at Jefferson East directly reflects our commitment to address the digital divide and make an impact in the communities we serve,” said AT&T Michigan President David Lewis. “AT&T is committed to helping ensure the success of all Detroiters, and this Connected Learning Center will help connect the city’s underserved students and families to the technology they need.”

JEI works to build inclusive neighborhoods along Detroit’s east Jefferson corridor and its five adjoining historic neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Resource Hub, which opened in late 2021, provides its eastside community with several critical services and resources designed to help keep residents in their homes.

“This collaboration with AT&T at our Neighborhood Resource Hub provides essential connectivity and digital resources to some of our most vulnerable students and families,” said Josh Elling, JEI CEO. “The Connected Learning Center is the perfect addition to the Neighborhood Resource Hub, giving families access to critical resources that will help them be successful now and into the future.”

“Digital connectivity has become a critical part of education for young people, and yet so many Detroit youth still don’t have digital access,” said Monique Holliday of Hope Community Outreach and Development. “This collaboration between AT&T and JEI helps ensures students in the area can have better digital support so they can learn and grow into thriving adults.”

“I applaud AT&T for their continued investment in Detroit with their new Connected Learning Center,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14). “In an increasingly digital world, technology and connectivity resources are more important now than ever. This will provide the much-needed support for underserved Detroiters while helping close the digital divide.”

This is the first AT&T Connected Learning Center launched in Detroit. The company has plans to open more than 20 centers across the country. Centers will be housed within local organizations that support under-resourced populations, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families.

“AT&T’s continued collaboration and investment in the city of Detroit is going to make a significant impact for our residents,” said City Council President Mary Sheffield. “Support like this will set Detroiters up to be successful now and into the future.”

And 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. Overland-Tandberg, a leading global technology and IT services company, will lead the onsite configuration of the computers.