Every day, we rely on the internet to
connect us to the world.
The pandemic forced many Sacramento students to learn from home, where reliable internet was necessary to complete assignments and engage with educators. Yet, for kids on the other side of the “digital divide,” remote learning became a major hurdle for academic achievement.
“The digital divide is not new,” said Alice Perez, director of external affairs at AT&T in Sacramento. “But, because of COVID-19, it was put into the spotlight. Now, everyone can see there truly is a problem.”
Though many have now returned to in-person learning, millions of students across the country still struggle to engage academically because they lack access to connectivity.
Organizations like AT&T and Connected Nation are working to change that, by providing access to internet, devices and educational resources that today’s learners need to thrive.
Financial
American Express
12
Financial
American Express
11
Mortgage Lending
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG)
10
Financial
American Express
9
Financial
American Express
8
Mortgage Lending
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG)
7
Financial
American Express
6
Financial
American Express
5
Mortgage Lending
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG)
4
Financial
American Express
3
Financial
American Express
2
Mortgage Lending
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG)
1
Sector
Company
Rank
35-124 employees
Small Businesses
in Sacramento
An essential tool
When the pandemic struck, challenges created by the digital divide became even more clear to educators and administrators at Glenwood Elementary School in Sacramento, California.
For most of the school’s students — who come from families facing poverty, food insecurity and even homelessness — laptops and broadband were simply beyond reach, according to Glenwood Principal David Gutierrez.
To overcome these barriers, the school provided students with computers at school and laptops to use at home. But, without connectivity outside the classroom, they were unable to keep up.
That’s why AT&T is working with nonprofits around the country to help students stay connected to learning opportunities.
They were unable to perform because they did not have the skill set or the access,” he said. “These students didn’t know how to use a laptop, how to use the internet."
— David Gutierrez
Glenwood Principal
Connected Learning
As part of its Connected Learning initiative, AT&T collaborated with nonprofit Connected Nation to deliver free wireless hotspots to nearly
of the nation’s most vulnerable students — including 500 at Glenwood Elementary.
Ensuring success
through connectivity
Through its three-year, $2 billion commitment to bridge the homework gap,
AT&T is working to help students in need succeed at digital learning.
AT&T Connected Learning is also elevating opportunity for millions of students through:
Connectivity that provides students with internet access necessary to participate in online learning.
Devices, like hotspots and computers, that advance digital inclusion for under-connected communities.
Digital literacy coaching that helps students and caregivers build confidence in navigating the
online world.
Learning opportunities that engage students online, offering support and educational content from collaborators like WarnerMedia.
The pandemic has shown how vital connectivity is to students’ learning and to their success...At AT&T, we connect people with technology. We connect
them to help them thrive.”
— Alice Perez
Director, External and
Legislative Affairs,
AT&T California
To learn more about how AT&T is working to
bridge the digital divide, visit att.com/connectedlearning
Despite the ongoing pandemic, online attendance soared to nearly 90% once all of the school’s students could connect to the internet, Gutierrez said. Being able to access digital learning platforms and interact with teachers helped ensure their success.
“It was important to give these students hotspots and free Wi-Fi service so they could really get a leg up on learning,” said Lindsay Conrad, director of program development at Connected Nation. “Thanks in part to AT&T’s strong commitment, schools were able to prevent thousands of these kids from being left on the wrong side of the homework gap.”
“
“
PAID CONTENT
Paid content created for AT&T. McClatchy editorial newsrooms
were not involved in the creation of this content
PAID CONTENT
Paid content created for AT&T. McClatchy editorial newsrooms
were not involved in the creation of this content
