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Twenty-five Vallejo residents were given free laptops on Wednesday as part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative. The program aims to bridge the digital divide and increase technology access for senior citizens. AT&T has dedicated million to this multiyear initiative in 2021.

The laptops, provided in partnership with the nonprofit Human I-T, are refurbished devices that come with digital literacy training. Human I-T is committed to providing technology to those without internet access.

This nationwide program by AT&T addresses the gap between Americans who have access to the internet and those who don’t. As of 2019, around 14.5 million U.S. residents lived in areas where the internet did not meet the Federal Communications Commission’s benchmark speed.

Donna Davis, AT&T’s external affairs representative for Northern California, states that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being digitally connected. Services such as doctor’s appointments have transitioned online, necessitating internet access for seniors.

AT&T partnered with Vallejo’s Florence Douglas Center to identify seniors without prior online access. The center has previously offered iPad and internet lessons to seniors, as well as technology assistance sessions. AT&T also provides low-cost internet services for eligible customers, which can be further subsidized with federal assistance.

The laptops were distributed at the Florence Douglas Center, where seniors received help with setup and troubleshooting. Volunteers, including mayoral candidate Pippin Dew and veteran resource handouts provider Nestor Aliga, assisted in setting up the devices and helping seniors access the internet.

Peter Wilson, the executive director of the center, emphasized the positive impact of the laptops on seniors, describing them as “25 boxes of pure joy.” The center has made efforts to stay connected with its members during the pandemic through phone calls and online meetings.

The AT&T Connected Learning initiative aims to improve access to technology and digital literacy for senior citizens. By providing free laptops and support, AT&T and Human I-T are working towards bridging the digital divide for disadvantaged populations.

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