AT&T and Compudopt have provided 50 refurbished laptops to Casa de Amigos for distribution to Midland residents in need. The computers, funded by an AT&T contribution, were given to Casa de Amigos students and families during an event at the MLK Center on July 31, 2024.
Present at the Midland Device Distribution event were Mayor Lori Blong, District 2 Councilman John Norman, and state Rep. Tom Craddick. Ed Mayberry, pastor at Community Worship Center, and Tonya Eckert, executive director of Casa de Amigos, also attended.
“Our mission at Casa de Amigos is to improve the quality of life throughout the community by helping people help themselves. Laptops and digital skills are excellent tools to help students in their work to build a bright future for themselves,” Eckert said. “We are very grateful for generous support from AT&T and Compudopt as we work to serve our neighbors and build stronger communities.”
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in Texas lack broadband access. Twenty-three percent of Texans cannot attend online classes, see a healthcare provider virtually from their living room, fill out a job application online or connect online to start a business or access virtual marketplaces from their kitchen table. Nationally, more than one-third (35%) of U.S households lack internet connection.
“A stronger Texas starts with students that are well-equipped with technology, skills and connectivity to help them succeed in school and in life,” Craddick said. “Today’s distribution of laptops from AT&T and Compudopt brings a world of opportunity to the fingertips of these students and we appreciate their efforts to support the students of Midland.”
This initiative is part of AT&T Connected Learning® aimed at addressing the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T has committed $5 billion towards helping 25 million people get connected to high-speed internet by 2030.
“As part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide, we are proud to work with Compudopt, Midland leadership and Casa de Amigos to assist in providing 50 refurbished laptops to students in this community,” said Leslie Ward, State President of AT&T Texas. “Access to computers is vital in helping bridge the digital divide; we are glad we can assist in providing these resources.”