AT&T opens connected Learning Center in Columbus’ Hilltop Neighborhood to bridge digital divide
Photo: AT&T / Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther at opening of new Connected Learning Center
AT&T has opened a new Connected Learning Center inside the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio in Columbus’ Hilltop Neighborhood to help bridge the digital divide.
The dedicated learning center in the J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse provides high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, and Dell computers to kids who encounter barriers to online participation.
The free center includes educational resources such as The Achievery, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Tutoring and mentoring are also provided by AT&T employees and community leaders. Dell Technologies donated Dell OptiPlex computers and World Wide Technology handled configuration and installation.
What it Means to Ohio
An estimated 11% of Ohio households don’t have access to the internet or computers at home. Nationally, 35% of U.S households lack internet access. This “digital divide” prevents kids from fully participating in the online world and developing the skills necessary to thrive as adults.
AT&T, a member of OhioX, contributed $50,000 to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio in the initiative.
The Connected Learning Center is the first in Central Ohio and third in the state after AT&T opened two centers in Cleveland. You can view a national map of the centers here.
AT&T plans to offer more than 50 locations by mid-2024.
What They’re Saying
“The neighborhood students who spend their afternoons here will now have internet access and digital tools readily available, and that opens up new opportunities for them and their families. This Center is a great collaborative effort that will help close the digital divide in our community.”
- Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther
“Our investment in the AT&T Connected Learning Center at the J. Ashburn Jr. Club directly reflects our commitment to get more Americans connected and make an impact in the communities we serve. We’re investing in digital resources, digital literacy and digital learning to help connect today’s students and families with skills, tools, and opportunities for success.”
- Molly Kocour Boyle, President of AT&T Ohio
“For 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio has been enabling young people to reach their full potential. In 2024 and beyond, the road to full potential must be navigated with the help of digital tools. Providing young people with the best out-of-school time programming is the center of everything we do, and collaborations like this one with AT&T help make that happen.”
- Doug Wolf, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio
