Hartford Students Presented With New Laptop Computers

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — Technology is seen as a necessity for learning, but access to good, modern equipment at home often isn't readily available to all.

Thanks to a special program from AT&T and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, that situation has been made easier for 125 Hartford students.

On Sept. 24, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford officials and AT&T to distribute 125 laptops to Hartford students.

The refurbished devices were provided to the Boys & Girls Club by AT&T and the organization Human-IT.

“We are committed to building great futures and enabling all young people to reach their full
potential. In our connected 21st century world, a laptop is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. We
are grateful to AT&T for their generosity and for closing the opportunity gap for our young people,” said Ron Hadorn, interim chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.

In Connecticut, it is estimated 8 percent of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.

This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and
equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops as they head back to school.

The AT&T Connected Learning initiative aims to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility and affordability.

AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford to help close the digital equity gap in Connecticut,” said John Emra, President – AT&T Atlantic Region. “Connectivity is vital for students, and we’re glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”

For more information on the AT&T Connected Learning program, click on this link.