AT&T provides laptops to students at Dream Center

One hundred refurbished laptops were given to DeSoto County students and families on Wednesday, Aug. 30, as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. 

The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Human I-T, were given to DeSoto County residents in need at the DeSoto County Dream Center. 

AT&T is working with Human I-T to provide individuals and families with laptops and digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.

These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of a companywide commitment to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

The DeSoto County Dream Center’s mission is to connect people to a community of support by serving as a resource center focused on finding solutions to hunger, lack of education and healthcare. We provide food, clothing, educational and medical resources to DeSoto County students and families. 

“Closing the digital divide is one of our top priorities in DeSoto County, and AT&T’s investment in DeSoto County through its fiber infrastructure and this laptop donation is helping us connect more residents,” said Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “We are grateful for AT&T for equipping DeSoto County students with the technology and connectivity they need to thrive. Looking out at all the children here, the future is bright. It’s important we give them the tools they need to succeed.”

“In today’s world, access to digital resources is a critical component in how our students and families connect to the future,” said Jenna Kern, Director, DeSoto County Dream Center. “AT&T’s donation of these laptops will equip DeSoto County students and families with access to the technology and digital tools they need to reach their fullest potential.” 

“In addition to our fiber investments in DeSoto County, AT&T is proud to invest in initiatives that help local students and families connect to greater possibilities,” said Michael Walker, Vice President of External Affairs, AT&T Mississippi. “We know how important it is to be connected in today’s world, and this collaboration with the DeSoto County Dream Center and Human I-T is another example of how we are helping close the digital equity gap.”

DeSoto County has a contract with AT&T to help offset some of the cost to provide about 2,400 homes with access to the internet.  The students who received the laptops are part of the Dream Center’s Education Program and were awarded one per family. DeSoto County Supervisor Mark Gardner is on the Dream Center board and joined other supervisors in helping to pass out the laptops.

You can read more about DeSoto County’s program at www.desotocountyms.gov/804/Broadband-Connectivity-Program.