Boys & Girls Clubs of America Expands AT&T Partnership to Enhance Technology Access to More Youth Across America
Business Wire 25-Jul-2024 8:00 AM
This partnership milestone comes as a part of AT&T's $5 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide and help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030
Following a celebration to honor AT&T's 50th Connected Learning Center (CLC) opening last week in Austin, Boys & Girls Clubs of America announces the opening of 40 technology spaces in Boys & Girls Clubs by 2027.
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As a part of AT&T's $5 billion commitment to help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030, the partners will join forces to equip 40 Boys & Girls Clubs with brand new Connected Learning Centers, making technology accessible for kids and teens in communities and neighborhoods across the nation.
"Today, success inside the classroom requires access to online tools and resources outside of it, which means that every Connected Learning Center represents a hub of opportunity for young people," said Jim Clark, president & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We're grateful to have a partner like AT&T who is helping to remove barriers so more kids and teens across America can achieve a great future."
To-date, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has worked with AT&T to open 20 Connected Learning Centers, bringing access to technology to over 123,000 young people. Additionally, the partners will identify 20 new Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation to receive a Connected Learning Center by 2027.
"Connectivity is key to equipping young people for a promising future," said Jeff McElfresh, chief operating officer, AT&T. "The technology skills and training delivered in CLCs will continue to bridge the digital divide and open doors for Boys & Girls Club members and their families nationwide for years to come."
Housed within local organizations supporting communities in need, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, AT&T Connected Learning Centers provide free access to a range of digital resources, including AT&T internet and Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers, The Achievery SM, a free digital learning platform created by AT&T, and digital literacy resources available through AT&T ScreenReady ®. Students and families also have access to free virtual and in-person tutoring and mentoring opportunities with AT&T employees.
As reliable internet and connectivity fuels nearly everything we do, strong communities and equitable opportunities for all people depend on access to affordable, high-performance connectivity – and the digital literacy resources that promote its safe and effective use. With over 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs embedded in communities across the country, this partnership expansion will connect even more young people to greater possibilities, enabling them to reach their full potential.
For more information Boys & Girls Clubs of America's partnership with AT&T, visit bgca.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.
About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. ((T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.
*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of its companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021 to 2023 to address the digital divide, AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today's learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we've committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
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