AT&T* and Human-I-T are providing 100 refurbished laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need attending Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville. The laptops and backpacks, funded by an AT&T contribution, are being given to pre-selected Ivy Tech students who have digital divide barriers.
“Access to technology is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Chancellor Daniela Vidal, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville. “For our students facing digital barriers, these laptops from AT&T will help them have the technology tools they need to not only succeed academically, but also develop skills for the workforce. We are thrilled to work with AT&T to provide these laptops and backpacks to our students facing technology barriers.”
This event is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and distribute 30,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and laptops to students in qualifying households for the new school year. The backpacks include supplies like notebooks, pencils and headphones, as well as cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T and the Ivy Tech Community College Foundation to help close the digital divide for students in need in Evansville,” said Bill Soards, President, AT&T Indiana. “Access to connectivity is vital for academic success, and we’re glad we can provide these devices to Ivy Tech students who need them most.”
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide, including in Indiana, still don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world- an issue known as the digital divide.
This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
Learn more at att.com.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.