HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Drake State Community and Technical College received a generous donation on Monday from AT&T and Human IT: 70 refurbished laptops aimed at supporting Huntsville students in need.
This initiative is part of AT&T's broader effort to bridge the digital divide, targeting 20,000 students nationwide with laptops before the upcoming school year.
"When students or seniors, for example, do not have access to the technology, then they cannot accept or they cannot access the broadband, the high-speed Internet that they need for education or health care or just basic research," said Cleo Washington, AT&T VP of External Affairs. "So our goal was in that way to try to bridge that digital divide."
Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College, talked about the importance of this donation in leveling the educational playing field. “Equipping students with devices is a strategic step toward a more connected and informed society, where no student is left behind in the ever-evolving landscape of education," she said. “By leveling the playing field, we empower students with the tools they need to thrive and open pathways to success.”
AT&T's contribution is part of their Connected Learning initiative, which aims to bring more internet accessibility, affordability, and safe adoption. The company says they have committed $5 billion to connect 25 million people to high-speed internet by 2030.
For more information on AT&T's efforts, visit here.