How to bridge the digital divide in education

One telecommunications leader has committed a range of resources to deliver affordable and accessible broadband to students.

By WP Creative Group

Throughout her years at International High School at Langley Park in Maryland, Susana Chávez held numerous jobs to help support her family. Juggling these responsibilities was a challenge, but high-speed connectivity made it manageable. With the help of accessible and affordable broadband, she was able to keep focused on her studies, get assistance from teachers and stay in touch with her mother, who resides outside the state. And now, she’s the valedictorian.

“Mamá, I did this for you, for us, so we can have more opportunities and a better life,” Chávez said.

Chávez’s story is not unique. Now more than ever, reliable internet is a foundation for communities to reach their American Dream. The covid-19 pandemic accelerated shifts in how we communicate and magnified the importance of broadband connectivity for all Americans. As a result, connectivity has never been more vital to the way people live their lives. Without broadband access, lower-income and rural communities run the risk of falling behind, missing out on opportunities, particularly when it comes to education.

AT&T is dedicated to addressing this challenge, investing $2 billion over the next three years to help bridge the digital divide. In addition, between 2016 and 2020, AT&T’s total investment in the United States, including capital investment and acquisitions of spectrum and wireless operations, was more than $105 billion. During this same period, AT&T has invested more capital in the United States than any other public company. With a multi-year commitment to provide affordable internet access to low-income households and community learning centers, AT&T is helping more communities thrive by connecting families to a brighter future.

Working with Connected Nation, a leading nonprofit organization focused on broadband and digital technology challenges, AT&T is also supporting students who lack regular internet service through free internet connectivity and Wi-Fi hot spots. To date, about 120 organizations and locations across the U.S. have been selected to receive free hotspots, wireless data and content filtering services. This AT&T initiative is designed to serve the students most in need including those in foster care, English language learners, students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.

“We believe that every student—regardless of geography or socioeconomic status—should have the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond,” said Jeff McElfresh, chief executive officer of AT&T Communications. “Reliable, affordable internet access is critical to that success. Through this work, our goal is to help those previously unconnected individuals engage with opportunities for meaningful learning, inside and outside of the classroom.”

For over a century, AT&T has helped keep Americans connected so they can live, learn, work and succeed. Now, as the country grapples with unequal internet access, AT&T is leading the effort so that families have the digital resources to succeed.

“At AT&T, we have a longstanding commitment to creating connection,” said McElfresh, “with each other, and with what people need to thrive in their everyday lives.”