Teens and adults receiving their new laptops at Port Chester Carver Center
Assemblyman Steve Otis pictured with a high school student receiving his new laptop
AT&T* and Human-IT provided The STEM Alliance of Westchester County with 75 refurbished laptops on Oct. 7 to distribute to families in need.
Laptops were distributed to members in the community from The Port Chester Carver Center in Port Chester, Alcance Latino in White Plains, and the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck. The laptops, funded by an AT&T contribution, were given to students and adults who were pre-selected prior to this event.
“AT&T has been a dedicated supporter of digital equity initiatives here in Westchester and beyond. In today’s world, device ownership is critical to thriving as a student but also for success in so many other arenas: looking for a job, banking and even saving money”, says Margaret Käufer, President of The STEM Alliance. “We applaud AT&T’s commitment and are thrilled that these students are starting their school year equipped for success.”
The STEM Alliance distributed the devices to provide support to those individuals with previous computer skills but lacking devices. In partnership with AT&T, The STEM Alliance is serving teenagers working toward high school/college completion and adults seeking employment opportunities.
“On behalf of the Community Resource Center, we extend our deepest gratitude to The STEM Alliance for their invaluable partnership in advancing digital equity within our community,” says Jirandy Martinez, Executive Director at the Community Resource Center. “Through their generous donation of 25 laptops, our client members now have increased access to essential digital tools, enabling them to engage more fully in educational, professional, and personal development opportunities. This contribution is not just a gift of technology, but a profound investment in the future of our community. We are excited to continue working together to bridge the digital divide and empower those we serve.”
It’s estimated that 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue called the digital divide. AT&T has committed $2.1M+ from 2021–2023 to organizations and initiatives focused on closing the digital divide in New York, and has funded 6,100+ laptops for students and families across the Empire State.
This effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® 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.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like The STEM Alliance to help close the digital equity gap in Westchester County,” 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.”
