What’s the news? Fifty refurbished laptops will be given to Selma students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Human I-T, will be given to Selma area residents in need. AT&T is working with Human I-T to provide individuals and families with the Black Belt Community Foundation with laptops and digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.

Why is this important? These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide commitment to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

Founded in 2004, the Black Belt Community Foundation was established to support community efforts that contribute to the strength, innovation and success in Alabama’s 12 poorest counties—the Black Belt. The Black Belt Community Foundation actively puts needed resources into the region that make a lasting impact by forging a collective stream of giving that transforms the 12-county region and connects those interested in having an impact in this region with nonprofits that are making a difference.

What are people saying? “I have and will continue to be a strong advocate of our local school system. Education is the foundation of our ability to transform our community. By investing in our students, AT&T, Human I-T and the Black Belt Community Foundation are bridging the digital gap to ensure students have access to the technology needed to succeed in school and beyond,” said Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr. “Selma’s future depends heavily on the advancement of our students. We are very thankful for this great opportunity.”

“Closing the digital divide is a top priority in the Black Belt region, and this collaboration with AT&T and the Black Belt Community Foundation is helping remove barriers and ensuring equitable solutions for Selma residents,” said Senator Rob Stewart. “By equipping students with these devices, it opens the door to more learning experiences and a world of possibilities.”

“At the Black Belt Community Foundation, our mission is to move our region forward by providing resources that make a lasting impact for our residents,” said Felecia Lucky, President of the Black Belt Community Foundation. “Access to technology and connectivity is essential in today’s world, and these laptops are a game-changer in how these students and families are able to participate in virtual learning, develop new skills and access healthcare. We are grateful for AT&T’s donation of these laptops and the impact it will have on how our students and families connect to the future.”

 “AT&T is committed to helping close the digital divide, and we are proud to invest in initiatives that help Selma area students and families connect to greater possibility,” said Cleo Washington, Vice President of External Affairs, AT&T Alabama. “This collaboration with the Black Belt Community Foundation and Human I-T is another example of how we are connecting Alabama communities and providing local students and families with the connectivity and digital resources they need to thrive.”

About the Black Belt Community Foundation
For nineteen years, the Black Belt Community Foundation has worked tirelessly to help Alabama’s most challenged region realize its potential. BBCF has awarded more than six million dollars in grants to support more than 500 community-led initiatives across BBCF’s 12-county service area in the Black Belt. BBCF was established in 2004 to support local efforts that contribute to the strength, innovation, and success of all the region’s people and communities.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we 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.

For more information, contact:
Mark Giga
AT&T Corporate Communications
612-206-0193
Mark.Giga@att.com