Atlanta’s Exciting New Digital Resource Center for Youth
In a heartwarming development for the Atlanta community, the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club is now home to a brand new Connected Learning Center thanks to the collaboration between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) and AT&T. This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide for young people in the area. If you are wondering what this means for our kids, let me fill you in!
A Warm Welcome to the Connected Learning Center
Recently, the opening ceremony for this new center was filled with excitement and hope. The Connected Learning Center aims to offer essential digital resources and internet access to local children and their families who often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to online educational tools. AT&T paved the way with a generous contribution of $50,000 to support the center’s programming.
In addition to the financial support, AT&T made a meaningful gesture by distributing 250 laptops and backpacks to students and families served by the Boys & Girls Clubs. Can you imagine the joy on the kids’ faces—the thrill of receiving their own laptop to use for schoolwork! This is something that can make a world of difference in their education.
What’s Inside the Connected Learning Center?
This new resource center isn’t just a fancy space; it’s packed with tools and opportunities. The Connected Learning Center features high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, plenty of Wi-Fi, and Dell computers ready to go for educational purposes. Furthermore, participants will have access to The Achievery, a free digital learning platform developed by AT&T, along with free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Imagine how empowering it is for kids to learn vital tech skills in a safe, supportive environment!
A Community Effort for Positive Change
Community leaders are thrilled about the center’s launch. Notably, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized how important initiatives like this are for creating a safer Atlanta. He believes that by engaging kids in positive and productive activities, we can work towards a city where youth crime is significantly reduced. It’s uplifting to hear leaders express gratitude for the partnerships that bring these impactful resources to life.
Similarly, Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Winston pointed out that the center is a vital asset for ensuring students remain connected and can succeed academically. The voices of support from local leaders really highlight the community spirit that drives such initiatives forward.
More Than Just a Digital Center
The vision behind the Connected Learning Center produces more than just individual success; it establishes a foundation for building a stronger, more connected community. As BGCMA’s President and CEO, David Jernigan, noted, the center is a space for kids and teens to explore, innovate, and grow their digital skills. Such commitments are crucial as we look ahead into an increasingly digital world.
What Lies Ahead
Looking beyond Atlanta, AT&T is enthusiastic about opening more centers like this throughout Georgia, aiming for a total of 50 locations by mid-2024. This endeavor is part of AT&T’s broader mission under the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, which aims to invest $5 billion to bridge the digital divide for a whopping 25 million people by 2030. This generous stretch of commitment isn’t just about providing technology—it’s about empowering communities and making digital connectivity accessible to everyone.
As we celebrate this fantastic addition to Atlanta, we can only look forward to the incredible opportunities it will create for the city’s future leaders. Providing our youth with the resources they need to succeed is more than an investment in technology; it is a profoundly positive investment in the entire community.
