AT&T announced their plans to open at least 100 Connected Learning Centers (CLC) by the end of 2027 and celebrates the landmark opening of the 50th CLC in Austin, TX. This milestone is part of the company’s $5 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide and to help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030, as research shows tens of millions of Americans still lack access to wired or fixed wireless broadband connections.
In Texas alone, almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people lack broadband access, indicating the great need for these connectivity resources across the state, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Today’s Austin CLC opening marks the 14th center AT&T has established in Texas – and the 50th nationwide – over the past three years to establish a connectivity hub in underserved communities.
“Our CLCs are more than just places with internet access—they’re gateways to opportunity,” said Jeff McElfresh, chief operating officer, AT&T. “Students come here to complete their homework, seniors connect with their grandchildren, job seekers find employment. We are proud to open our 50th Connected Learning Center today, and we are thrilled to commit to opening at least 50 more in the next three years to serve as many people as we can.”
AT&T knows internet connectivity makes a difference. In Texas, AT&T invested more than $12.6 million in network infrastructure from 2019-2023 to expand internet access, and now serves more than 4.7 million customer locations in the state. AT&T also offers eligible customers Access from AT&T, which has speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month.
Bringing Connectivity to Communities
Each CLC receives a $50k contribution from AT&T and is equipped with AT&T internet and technology supplied by corporate partners like Dell Technologies. Each CLC also receives support from AT&T employee volunteers, who help to provide digital literacy and learning workshops in collaboration with the National Parent Teacher Association and Public Library Association. CLCs provide the skills and training that help people safely navigate the online world.
Since the CLC initiative began in 2021, AT&T has established 50 CLCs across 16 states, serving a reported 33,000 people nationwide. Demand for these centers has grown, as nonprofit and corporate partners recognize the need for and benefit of connectivity in their communities. In response to this demand, AT&T plans to open over 50 additional centers, totaling at least 100 CLCs across the country by the end of 2027.
Vital Partnerships in Bridging the Digital Divide
Since the inception of the CLC initiative, Dell Technologies, Inc. has been a key collaborator, providing technology to these centers. As part of its commitment to digital inclusion, Dell donates Dell OptiPlex desktop PCs with integrated audio and webcams for use at CLCs. World Wide Technology, a leading minority supplier of IT services, manages configuration and installation.
“Technology, connectivity and digital literacy skills are foundational needs to access the benefits of our digital society,” said Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies. “Our longstanding collaboration with AT&T and the Boys & Girls Clubs on the Connected Learning Center initiative is a great example of how we are championing digital inclusion to enable access and opportunity for all.”
Over 123,000 kids and teens are impacted by the access to connectivity through the CLCs established at 20 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. An additional 20 of the upcoming CLCs opening by the end of 2027 will also be established within Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.
“Today, access and connectivity online are critical to ensuring kids and teens can succeed academically,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We are thrilled to honor this milestone with AT&T as we enable even more youth across the nation to achieve great futures.”
“We are grateful to AT&T and Dell for their partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs and for their efforts to provide the critical resource of digital connectivity to our youth,” said Zenae Campbell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. “Our mission is to prepare all youth to have great futures, with a strong focus on STEM programming, and the new CLC at our home club in Austin will not only provide our kids with connectivity, but also the skills and understanding they need to leverage technology so they can excel in school, in the workforce, and in their personal lives.”
A Milestone Event
The 50th CLC opened July 19 at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area’s Home Club at the Sheth Family Campus. The event included remarks from Jeff McElfresh, Chief Operating Officer at AT&T; Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Telecom Systems Business at Dell; Jim Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America; and Zenae Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin area.
Source: https://about.att.com/story/2024/connected-learnings-centers-commitment.html