Indianapolis Urban League

AT&T & Human-I-T Provide 250 Laptops and Backpacks to Indianapolis Families to Help Close the Digital Divide  

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INDIANAPOLIS, October 9, 2024

 AT&T & Human-I-T Provide 250 Laptops and Backpacks to Indianapolis Families to Help Close the Digital Divide  

 As part of AT&T’s Connected Learning® initiative, nearly 250 Indianapolis students and families received free laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies today, thanks to AT&T*, Human-I-T, and the Indianapolis Urban League.

AT&T and Human-I-T provided the 250 refurbished laptops to preselected Indianapolis residents during an event at the Indianapolis Urban League – the site of an AT&T Connected Learning Center.

Families also received a new backpack filled with school supplies. The backpacks were assembled by AT&T employee volunteers as part of a national effort to bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops and backpacks this fall.

“These laptops will be a game-changer for these Indianapolis families,” said Bill Soards, President, AT&T Indiana. “Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of opportunity, but millions of Americans still don’t have access to technology or high-speed internet. We’re excited to help connect these families to new opportunities in our digital world, thanks to our collaboration with Human-I-T and the Indianapolis Urban League.”

In Indiana, it’s estimated that 13% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices at home that are needed to fully participate in the online world – an issue known as the digital divide.

“We appreciate the opportunity to embark on this latest collaboration with AT&T, a longtime supporter, in transforming lives for multiple generations through ownership of a laptop,” said Tony Mason, President & CEO, Indianapolis Urban League. “Owning a personal laptop, with Microsoft Office software for digital learning, will increase the digital literacy skills of our youth and adults, provide accessibility to apply for jobs and colleges, online banking, healthcare and school portals, and email – all with secure 24/7 access removing the barriers of library hours and restricted use of school and work-issued devices.”

Recipients of laptops will now have access to job search, obtain employment, receive telehealth services, connect with family and resources, and build the skills they need to thrive and succeed in life.

This is the second major donation of laptops to Indianapolis families and students this year. In April, AT&T and Human-I-T joined together to distribute 300 free laptops to students and families served by Indianapolis Public Schools and Indiana Youth Group to help bridge the digital divide.

It’s all part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help 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 affordable, high-speed internet by 2030.

Today’s event was part of a series of AT&T and Human-I-T laptop distributions being held throughout the year in communities across the country.

“Human-I-T and the Indianapolis Urban League are united by a shared mission: to empower underserved communities through access and opportunity,” said Gabe Middleton, CEO, Human-I-T. “Our focus is on closing the digital divide by connecting individuals to the technology they need to thrive, while the Urban League builds bridges through strategic partnerships to uplift those in need. Together with AT&T, we’re creating a powerful alliance that will transform lives, support families, and strengthen the fabric of this community.”

Learn morea bout the AT&T Connected Learning Center at att.com/connectedlearning

View the full story at WISH-TV, click here

 AT&T & Human I-T Laptop and Backpack Event Photos