AT&T and Connected Nation provide free hotspots, internet service to help vulnerable students across Hawai‘i
Six nonprofits and one school to benefit, connecting more than 1,000 students locally
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (December 9, 2021) – As part of AT&T’s commitment to bridge the Digital Divide and narrow the homework gap, Connected Nation (CN) is working with AT&T to deliver 1,060 free mobile hotspots and 14 months of free AT&T wireless internet service to vulnerable students across the state of Hawai’i.
“It is critical that we work together in partnership with local stakeholders to identify ways to reach every student across Hawai‘i and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed,” said Elizabeth Songvilay, External Affairs Director – Hawaii, AT&T. “AT&T is committed to supporting communities and finding ways to close technology gaps that are impacting our keiki. We all witnessed firsthand during the pandemic just how critical broadband access is for all students—whether it’s to join a remote classroom or complete their homework assignments. Mahalo nui loa to Connected Nation for your collaboration on this important work.”
This latest contribution continues to deliver upon AT&T’s $10 million commitment to helping our nation’s most at-risk children. Through this commitment AT&T and Connected Nation have delivered hotspots to 150 schools and nonprofits across the country, providing connectivity for more than 40,000 vulnerable students.
The 1,060 hotspots are being distributed among the following Hawai‘i-based organizations:
- Big Brother Big Sisters of Hawai‘i
- Boys and Girls Club of Hawai‘i
- The Institute for Human Services (IHS) Honolulu
- The IHS Children Program
- Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
- Maui Hui Malama
- Waimea Middle School (on Hawai‘i Island)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for better broadband connectivity across the state,” said Brent Legg, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Connected Nation. “This donation is part of our nonprofit’s larger effort to address the Digital Divide in Hawai‘i. We’re committed to working with state leaders and Hawai‘i's congressional delegation to build a better broadband ecosystem that increases bandwidth, lowers costs, and improves services on every island. We’re just getting started.”
Through this initiative, AT&T and Connected Nation are primarily focused on providing access for students in the following groups:
- Students in foster care
- Students experiencing homelessness
- English language learners
- Students with disabilities
- Students eligible for the Migrant Education Program
- Other at-risk students who may be disconnected from traditional education opportunities
To see the full list of recipient organizations and learn more about the impact of this program, head to connectednation.org/homeworkgap.
To learn more about AT&T Connected Learning, head to att.com/connectedlearning.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
jdenson@connectednation.org
502-341-2024
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About Connected Nation
Connected Nation is celebrating 20 years of service in 2021. Its mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
The national nonprofit works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to bridge the digital divide and narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.