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Branches received 100 laptops thanks to AT&T and Compudopt, and distributed them to pre-registered individuals on Friday, May 12, at Branches, located at 11500 NW 12 Ave., Miami 33168.
Fifty laptops were for Branches’ Grow & Climb families, whose children are served daily through after-school enrichment and youth development services. The other 50 laptops were for some of Branches’ Micro-Business Program participants; small-business owners who will greatly benefit from a laptop which can be solely used for business purposes.
In total, more than 300 laptops were given to Miami students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. AT&T is working with Compudopt to provide Branches, Boys & Girls Club, and Orange Bowl with computers and other resources. The computers, funded by an AT&T donation to Compudopt, were given to Miami area residents in need to help them fully participate in our modern world.
Why is this important?
In Miami-Dade, it’s estimated that more than 74,000 K-12 students don’t have access to the internet, computers or skills needed at home to benefit from the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide, $2 billion commitment from 2021 to 2023, to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
Branches, the Boys & Girls Club, and Orange Bowl all strive to support young people in the Miami area, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, making these organizations a natural fit to facilitate the distribution of computers to students and families in need. Providing students and families with computers will give them the opportunity to gain the access needed to thrive in this modern world. From completing homework to filling out job applications, they are connected to a greater possibility.
“The AT&T laptop distribution is an incredibly valuable opportunity for working families and entrepreneurs to be able to have access to the latest personal technology,” said Brent McLaughlin, president and CEO, Branches.
“In our interconnected world, this is an invaluable gift that will have huge impacts for these families. Thank you to AT&T for ensuring that everyone has access to needed technology,” he added.
“I applaud AT&T for providing more than 300 laptops to Miami-Dade students and for joining forces with Compudopt, Boys & Girls Club, Branches, and the Orange Bowl to help bridge the digital divide in our community,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson. “The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that access to computers and the internet at home are crucial for students. Thanks to AT&T and its partners, hundreds of students and their families will have access to remote learning and other opportunities.
“It takes a village to bridge the digital divide. Public and private entities must do their part and join forces to maximize impact. That’s why I proudly supported President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which allocates essential funding to expand broadband and digital equity in communities like Miami-Dade,” Rep. Wilson said.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Compudopt to help close the digital equity gap in South Florida. Many students in Miami lack the devices needed for online learning,” said Joe York, president, AT&T Gulf States. “Access to computers is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”
For 50 years, Branches has made a positive impact in the community by delivering on its mission to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial wellness services. Branches provides life-changing opportunities to hardworking families and their children to help them break the cycle of generational poverty. For more information about Branches, visit Branches at www.branchesfl.org.
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