Some children in the Augusta area will soon be connected to the world, thanks to two Connected Learning Centers inside the HUB for Community Innovation. The centers will provide internet access and education tools for those who face connectivity barriers.
The Connectivity Centers are part of a $2 billion national campaign by AT&T from 2021-23 to address internet accessibility and affordability. It is a collaboration with the Augusta Boys & Girls Club, Augusta University Literacy Center, and Rise Augusta.
“Connectivity is the foundation of a thriving community, and AT&T’s investment in the Connected Learning Centers at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta and RISE Augusta directly reflects our commitment to helping bridge the digital divide and make an impact in the communities we serve,” said Venessa Harrison, AT&T Southeast Coastal States. “Through the Connected Learning Centers, we are equipping Augusta youth with the digital tools they need to succeed today and tomorrow.”
In Augusta, it’s estimated that more than 10,000 K-12 students don’t have access to high-quality connectivity and are unable to participate in the modern online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
The new centers will help to bridge the digital divide by providing free access to a range of digital resources all under one roof, including high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers, as well as free education resources, tutoring, and mentoring from AT&T employees.
“Digital connectivity is essential to providing equity of opportunity, and the AT&T Connected Learning Center is a transformative step in creating better outcomes for our youth and the community as a whole,” said Kim Evans, President, and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. “The AT&T Connected Learning Center housed at the Boys & Girls Club is a great example of community collaboration that will help us accomplish our mission of building great futures for our youth.”
The free education resources within the centers will help students and families participate in digital engagement. These include The Achievery, a free digital learning platform created by AT&T, as well as free digital literacy courses and workshops created with the Public Library Association.
“In today’s world, having access to innovative technology and digital resources is important in how students develop as learners,” said Dr. Betsy VanDeusen, Director, Augusta University Literacy Center. “The AT&T Connected Learning Center will provide Augusta youth and adults with enhanced literary experiences and instruction that will set them on a path to life-long learning.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to championing digital inclusion for underserved communities, Dell Technologies donated Dell OptiPlex computers and Dell monitors which feature integrated audio and webcams to support virtual learning. Overland-Tandberg, a Black-owned company, is part of AT&T’s Supplier Diversity Initiative. The leading global technology and IT services company led the onsite configuration of the computers.
In addition to the Connectivity Centers, AT&T also made a $50,000 contribution towards both RISE Augusta and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Augusta.
“At RISE Augusta, we believe in the potential of all children to rise above adversity, stay in school, and achieve in life. With the AT&T Connected Learning Center, we have a dedicated space where our youth can access free internet connectivity, educational resources and develop essential job skills,” said Laurie Cook, Executive Director, RISE Augusta. “Through this collaboration with AT&T, our youth now have the resources they need to achieve their fullest potential in school and life.”
These are part of five Connected Learning Centers that AT&T will be opening in Georgia.
