Bronx Students Equipped with Laptops to Enhance Collage and Career Pathways

THE BRONX, NY — Fifty-eight students at Explorations Academy in the Bronx received laptops this month, thanks to a collaboration between AT&T and the YMCA of Greater New York. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide essential resources for students pursuing higher education and career opportunities.

Rowe Scholars Program Benefits from AT&T Donation

The laptops were distributed to participants in the Rowe Scholars program, the YMCA’s complete college and career access initiative. A $45,000 donation from AT&T enabled the purchase, ensuring that these Bronx teens have access to technology crucial for navigating the college application process, including completing applications, submitting the FAFSA form, and supporting their studies once in college.

Addressing the Digital Divide in New York City

Access to technology remains a significant barrier for many New York City households. According to estimates, “11 percent of households in New York” lack the internet access or connected devices needed to fully participate in the digital world. This initiative directly addresses this disparity, providing students with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally.

The digital divide impacts not only education,but also access to critical services,employment opportunities,and civic engagement. By equipping students with laptops, AT&T and the YMCA are fostering digital inclusion and empowering the next generation of leaders.

For example, students can now readily access online learning platforms, research scholarships, and connect with mentors and peers, leveling the playing field and enhancing their prospects for future success [Citation: Pew Research Center, Internet & Technology].

YMCA’s Commitment to Student Success

Sharon Greenberger,President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York,stated,”We are proud to work with so many students across the city and support them on their path to college through key initiatives like the Rowe Scholars Program. Laptops are a crucial resource for all students – for the college application process and beyond – and we are thrilled to collaborate with AT&T to provide more than 50 Bronx teens with their own computers. Together, we are committed to providing young New Yorkers with the resources and tools they need to succeed.”

AT&T’s Broader Initiative to Bridge the Digital Equity Gap

The laptop donation is part of AT&T’s broader commitment to addressing the digital divide through initiatives focused on internet accessibility, affordability, and safe technology adoption. As 2021, AT&T has distributed more than 6,500 computers to students and their families across New York. This ongoing effort reflects a dedication to creating a more equitable digital landscape for all New Yorkers.

The lack of digital access can hinder economic mobility and perpetuate social inequalities. Consider the scenario of a student lacking internet access at home needing to complete online assignments, who must rely on crowded public libraries with limited access durations, impacting their ability to study and succeed [citation: National Telecommunications and Information Governance (NTIA)].

Partnership for Digital Inclusion

John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like the YMCA to help close the digital equity gap in New York. 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. We’re grateful to the YMCA for their continued collaboration and dedication to this community, and we look forward to seeing these students make the most out of the digital world.”

Looking Ahead: Empowering Future Success

The provision of laptops to these 58 Bronx students represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater opportunities for academic and career success. By providing access to essential technology, AT&T and the YMCA are empowering these students to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Explore how you can support similar initiatives and help bridge the digital divide in your community. Contact your local YMCA or visit the AT&T website to learn more and get involved.

How can initiatives like the one highlighted in the article be scaled up to effectively address the digital divide on a larger scale within cities like New York?

Bridging the Digital Divide: An Interview on Empowering Bronx Students wiht Technology

Here at Archyde, we’re committed to covering stories that matter. Today, we’re discussing the crucial issue of digital equity with Maria Rodriguez, the Program Director for Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater New York. Maria, welcome!

Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to be here.

The YMCA and AT&T partner to Equip Students

We’ve recently heard about the exciting initiative where 58 students at Explorations Academy in the Bronx received laptops. can you tell us more about this partnership between the YMCA and AT&T?

Absolutely. This collaboration is all about bridging the digital divide.With AT&T’s generous donation,we were able to provide laptops to students participating in our Rowe Scholars Program.This program is designed to support students with college and career access.

Understanding the Rowe Scholars Program

The Rowe Scholars Program sounds impactful. What specific ways do these laptops help students within this program?

These students now have the tools to navigate the entire college submission process seamlessly. They can complete applications, submit their FAFSA forms, conduct research, and, once they’re in college, use the laptops for their studies.

Addressing Digital Equity in New York City

The article mentioned that a notable percentage of households in New York City lack internet access.How significant of a barrier is this “digital divide” to student success, and how does this initiative help to shrink the digital divide?

It’s a massive barrier. Without reliable access to technology, students are at a significant disadvantage. They struggle to complete assignments, research opportunities, and connect with their peers. By providing these laptops,we are leveling the playing field and giving these students a chance to succeed academically and professionally.

The Broader Impact of Digital Inclusion

Beyond academics, what other areas of a student’s life are impacted by digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion impacts many aspects of life. It connects students to critical services, expands their employment opportunities, and allows them to participate more fully in civic engagement. It’s about empowering them to become active and informed members of society.

AT&T’s Commitment to Digital Equity

This laptop donation is part of a larger effort by AT&T to address the digital divide. What does this broader commitment look like, and how can our readers get involved in similar initiatives?

AT&T is focused on improving internet accessibility, affordability, and promoting safe technology adoption. Readers can support similar initiatives by contacting their local YMCA or visiting the AT&T website to learn more about how they can contribute and get involved in bridging the digital divide in their own communities.

Looking Ahead: Thoughts from the Field

Maria, reflecting on this initiative and the broader fight for digital equity, what’s one thought-provoking question you’d encourage our readers to consider?

I would ask: What steps can *we* – as individuals, as communities, and as a society – take to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the technology and digital literacy skills they need to thrive in the 21st century? How can we move beyond just providing devices to creating sustained, equitable access?

Maria, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been truly enlightening.

My pleasure. Thank you for highlighting this important issue.