Atlanta’s Youth Empowered with New Digital Learning Center
Atlanta, Georgia – In an exciting development for the local community, the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club has recently opened its doors to a new Connected Learning Center, courtesy of a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) and AT&T. This center is designed to provide vital digital resources to residents who often face barriers to online participation, making it a beacon of hope for many families in the area.
A Boost of $50,000 for Local Programming
To further support this initiative, AT&T made a generous contribution of $50,000, aimed at enhancing various programs available at BGCMA. During the center’s launch event, AT&T also distributed 250 laptops and backpacks to students and families, ensuring they have the tools needed to participate in today’s digital world.
A Community Collaboration
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “As we work together to create a safer Atlanta, initiatives like the AT&T Connected Learning Center demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving our shared goals for a safer city where our youth can thrive.” This center is seen as a vital part of the effort to reduce youth crime by engaging young people in positive activities that can lead them to promising futures.
Empowering Atlanta’s Future
Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Adviser for the City of Atlanta, highlighted the significance of providing youth with access to modern technology and high-speed internet. According to Beamer, “In today’s technology-driven world, it is imperative that our young people are equipped with digital knowledge and skills.” The center is a stepping stone toward building a brighter, more connected future for Atlanta’s youth.
A Step Toward Digital Inclusivity
This new center is one of only a few in the state and represents the fourth Connected Learning Center opened in Atlanta. With free access to high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, and Dell computers, the center is equipped to provide essential educational resources. For instance, kids can benefit from The Achievery, a free digital learning platform offered by AT&T, and participate in free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association.
Community Engagement and Tutoring
The involvement doesn’t stop there! Tutoring and mentoring services are being provided by AT&T employees and local community leaders, fostering a genuine support network for the kids. David Jernigan, President and CEO of BGCMA, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting that the center will “ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens across Metro Atlanta.”
Addressing the Digital Divide
This initiative is part of AT&T’s broader commitment to helping communities bridge the digital divide. The company plans to invest a staggering $5 billion to help ensure that 25 million people gain access to high-speed internet by 2030. By opening these centers in partnership with local nonprofits, AT&T is targeting underserved populations, aiming to provide resources to some of the most vulnerable students and families in the community.
Looking Ahead
With plans to open over 50 locations by mid-2024, AT&T’s initiative signifies a long-term commitment to digital inclusion. By collaborating with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, AT&T hopes to create more safe spaces where youth can thrive in our rapidly changing world.
In Conclusion
The launch of the AT&T Connected Learning Center at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club is a heartwarming advancement for the Atlanta community. It not only addresses immediate educational needs but also lays the groundwork for the city’s youth to navigate and succeed in the digital age. Together, community members and organizations are working to ensure that brighter futures are within reach for all.
