Distribution part of employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students and older adults with laptops
Palo Alto, CA (August 10, 2024) — AT&T* and Human-I-T provided Avenidas 250 refurbished laptops today to distribute to Palo Alto older adults, students and families in need.
This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students and older adults across the country with laptops.
“For 55 years, Avenidas has helped our community of older adults be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible. More and more, navigating in this world means having the technology tools and know-how to communicate with family members digitally, to arrange for health appointments through apps, and to take advantage of the wealth of online resources,” said Kristina Lugo, President & CEO, Avenidas. “Here at Avenidas, we are delighted to partner with AT&T and Human I-T to provide laptops and technology education for our members, their families, and our community partners.”
In California, it’s estimated that 8% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close the digital equity gap in Palo Alto and surrounding communities,” said Ellen Kamei, Manager of External Affairs, AT&T California. “Connectivity is vital for older adults, and we’re glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”
“One of the greatest gifts Human-I-T can provide through our partnerships with AT&T and Avenidas, is the opportunity for people of all ages to connect. For folks here at Avenidas, connectivity is a lifeline to family and friends, medical appointments and programs to stay active. Technology gives recipients the independence we all want to maintain as we age. We can’t think of a better way to honor today’s recipients,” commented Human-I-T CEO, Gabe Middleton.
Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.
About Avenidas
Since 1969, Avenidas services and programs have been helping older adults in the San Francisco mid-Peninsula area be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible. Annually, Avenidas serves more than 4,300 older adults through nearly 52,000 encounters in two adult enrichment centers and one adult day care center located in Palo Alto and Mountain View. Whether seniors require rides to a doctor’s office, counseling sessions, or technology assistance, or if they want to develop a new interest, take an exercise class, or make new friends, Avenidas is here for them.
About Human-I-T
The Human-I-T mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, can access the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. By refurbishing donated technology and offering lowcost internet access, Human-I-T promotes digital inclusion and environmental sustainability through partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. Human-I-T has positively impacted thousands of lives, fostering education, employment, and community growth.
*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
For more information, contact:
Michelle T. Shinseki
Avenidas Communications
Phone: 650-475-6500
Email: mshinseki@avenidas.org
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