2 weeks Ago By STAFF REPORT
IMPERIAL — AT&T and Human-I-T provided Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) and Imperial Regional Alliance (IRA) 200 refurbished laptops on Friday to distribute to students in need. This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops. “Imperial Regional Alliance and Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation are committed to closing the digital divide in Imperial County and the San Diego region.
By partnering with AT&T and Human-I-T, we’re enhancing access to technology, providing digital literacy training, and promoting affordable broadband solutions,” Imperial Regional Alliance Chief Operating Officer Alma Silva said. “Our goal is to empower our community and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital landscape.” 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.
This effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing more than 26,000 devices to students, older adults and their families across California since 2021.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close the digital equity gap in Imperial County,” AT&T External Affairs Manager John Heffernan said. “Access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.” “The goal of IVEDC and IRA is to bridge the gap between population and industry, fostering a diverse and robust economy and workforce,” Human-I-T CEO Gabe Middleton noted.
“At Human-I-T, we recognize the importance of closing gaps for communities that are in need of digital literacy.” According to Middleton, when people are supplied with information and technology they are empowered. “It’s really that simple,” Middleton continued.
“Whether today’s recipients are using their new devices for school, job searches or exploring a new role in life, Human-I-T is positioned in the middle of that gap and is proud to help them get to their destination and contribute to Imperial Valley’s growth and future.” The event took place on Friday at Imperial Valley College, where community leaders and volunteers will help distribute the laptops. Imperial Regional Alliance Board Member Deborah McGarrey, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation Vice Chair Victor Nava, and 36th District California State Assembly member Eduardo Garcia took part in the event.
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