GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Nearly 50 Alger Middle School students took home a brand new laptop Thursday free of charge thanks to AT&T and their community partners.
AT&T, Human-I-T, the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP and Kent School Services Network worked together to provide dozens of refurbished laptops to students at the middle school.
The laptops were donated to students who have "digital divide barriers" in order to give them access to technology and support their education. The students were recognized for their academic achievements in addition to getting the free laptop.
“Our mission is to ensure all of our scholars are educated, self-directed, and productive members of society,” said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby, Grand Rapid Public Schools. “In today’s connected world, that means making sure our scholars have the technology they need to be successful. These laptops will make an immediate positive impact in the lives of our scholars and their families.”
AT&T said that in Michigan, it is estimated that over one in 10 households don't have access to the internet or connected devices.
“We are so grateful to our community partners for helping us provide the digital tools our youth need to achieve and succeed,” said Alger Middle School Principal Charlie Lovelady. “For our scholars honored today, these laptops will help them continue their academic achievements at Alger Middle and beyond.”
The laptop donation program is part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative aimed at helping address the digital divide.
“These laptops will be a game-changer for these students,” said David Lewis, President, AT&T Michigan. “Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of opportunity, but millions of Americans still don’t have access to technology or high-speed internet. We’re excited to help connect these students to new opportunities in our digital world to help them be successful in school.”
AT&T has provided 150 devices to the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP to give to students in the community so far this fall.
“The Greater Grand Rapids NAACP believes that investing in digital literacy programs can help bridge the digital divide, which is why this partnership with AT&T Michigan is critically important to ensure low income and under-resourced families have access to high quality computers and technology,” said Cle J. Jackson, President, Greater Grand Rapids NAACP.