Bastrop County partners announce a 120-device donation and new series of digital skills training workshops for local residents
Elgin, TX. (January 14, 2026) – Connected Nation (CN), Bastrop County Cares, and AT&T came together today at the Elgin Recreation Center for a community event celebrating the donation of 120 laptop devices. The laptops will support ongoing and free digital skills and career readiness training for residents across Bastrop County.
The devices are being provided through AT&T’s Tech 4 Training program, with Compudot managing refurbishment and preparation of the laptops to ensure participants receive reliable, high-quality devices.
“At AT&T, we believe opportunity grows when people have both connectivity and the ability to use technology confidently,” said Mylayna Albright, VP, Corporate Responsibility, AT&T. “We are proud to support Bastrop County residents through device donations and digital skills training that open doors to education, jobs, health care, and vital services.”
Training and computer distribution are taking place as part of an ongoing digital inclusion initiative led by Bastrop County Cares and CN. This work builds on the organizations’ longstanding partnership that’s focused on digital skills training, broadband access, and community technology planning.
“Bastrop County continues to demonstrate what community-driven digital inclusion looks like,” said Molly Weiner, Director, Local & Regional Planning, CN. “Through our partnership with Bastrop County Cares, AT&T, and Compudot, residents are gaining both the skills and the tools they need to thrive. The device donation announced today ensures that learning does not stop when the class ends — it continues at home, at work, and in the community.”
In December, CN began the training series in Bastrop County by hosting two groups of participants. Each completed three core digital workshops covering Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and Cybersecurity, and received some career readiness instructions. Additional training will continue through March, with CN facilitating workshops and adding career-readiness courses to help residents apply their new skills in education and the workforce.
“Digital access is no longer optional, it is essential for education, employment, and everyday life,” said Noemi Guerra- Economic Stability Program Supervisor- Bastrop County Cares. “By combining device distribution with hands-on digital skills training, this partnership helps ensure that residents are not only connected but empowered to use technology in ways that support long-term economic stability.”
The January 14 event recognized participants from the first two workshop sessions, celebrated the donation of 120 laptops to local residents, and highlighted the training opportunities that will continue through March.
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About Connected Nation: Marking its 25th anniversary in 2025, the national nonprofit’s 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. Learn more at connectednation.org.
About Philanthropy at AT&T: At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting communities, including students, older adults, and un-or underemployed individuals, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.
About Bastrop County Cares: Bastrop County Cares brings people together to collaborate around large community challenges that no one organization can solve on its own to improve the conditions where our neighbors live, work, pray and play. Our vision is that all individuals in Bastrop County can equitably share in the social fabric of our community, access great educational programs, be economically stable, and live healthy full lives.