AT&T and Hoboken-based Computers 4 People are distributing 250 refurbished laptops to students and families in Jersey City and West New York 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 area residents in need.
AT&T employee volunteers and the Computers 4 People team delivered 87 laptops to Dvine Konektion in West New York and 111 laptops to the Jersey City Housing Authority, along with digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.
The remaining devices will be distributed to people served by other community-based organizations, including Church World Service, Hudson Community Enterprises, Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts High School, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and St Matt’s Lunchtime Ministry. Computers 4 People identified the organizations and the individuals who will receive the equipment.
It’s estimated that more than 7,000 students in Jersey City and more than 2,100 students in West New York don’t have digital basics at home, including access to the internet, computers or skills needed to benefit from the online world, according to Digital Bridge K-12.
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
“AT&T’s generous donation of 250 laptops to Computers 4 People is a game-changer for our mission to bridge the digital divide. This contribution will enable hundreds of individuals in underserved communities, providing them with access to technology, education, and essential online services. We are deeply grateful for AT&T’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. Together, we are making strides towards ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age,” said Dylan Zajac, founder, Computers 4 People.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Computers 4 People to help close the digital equity gap in Jersey City, West New York and across New Jersey,” said Jaci Kator, AT&T’s director of External Affairs in New Jersey. “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.”
About Computers 4 People
Computers For People Inc. was founded in 2019 by then 15-year-old Dylan Zajac in Hoboken, NJ. The non-profit was formed through his vision to create a sustainable solution to the mass pollution of e-waste and the ever-growing digital divide. Computers 4 People has grown to a leading organization tackling the digital divide in the New York City Metropolitan area. They have donated over 2,000 refurbished computers impacting thousands to access job search, education/homework, telehealth, and more. These low-income individuals include formerly incarcerated, homeless, students, older adults, refugees, and veterans. As Computers 4 People expands its offering more services like free internet/ACP enrollment, computer literacy classes, and computer building classes.
*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.
