What’s the news? One hundred refurbished laptops will be given to Peach County students and families 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, will be given to Peach County residents in need. AT&T is working with Human I-T to provide individuals and families with the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence with laptops and digital literacy resources to help them fully participate in our digital world.

Why is this important?

These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide commitment to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

The Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence is a nonprofit organization designed to strengthen the lives of students by developing and preparing students, educationally, socially, and intellectually to reach their highest potential. 

What are people saying?

“The digital equity gap is an issue that impacts many Georgians, including here in Peach County. AT&T’s donation of laptops to Fort Valley students and families is helping close that gap,” said Representative Robert Dickey. “These laptops will give students and families the digital tools and skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”

“We are grateful for AT&T’s investment in Peach County and in the lives of our youth. The digital divide impacts many families in Peach County and this donation of digital devices is helping remove the digital equity barrier and giving our youth access to 21^st century technology that will accelerate learning opportunities,” said Martin Moseley, Chairman of the Peach County Board of Commissioners.  

“Improving quality of life for our Fort Valley citizens is one of our top priorities, and AT&T’s donation of digital devices to Fort Valley students and families will give them the technology resources they need to thrive,” said Mayor Jeffery Lundy, City of Fort Valley. “Having access to technology is a gamechanger in how our citizens can access virtual learning opportunities, apply for jobs and connect with others. These laptops will connect to pathways of success.”   

“For our students to succeed in today’s world, access to digital tools and resources is essential. With these laptops, our students are able to leverage what they’ve learned in the classroom and connect them to a world of possibilities,” said Superintendent Dr. Lionel Brown, Peach County Schools. “These laptops will equip our students with the digital skills they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

“At Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence, we are committed to strengthening the lives of students through educational, social and intellectual enrichment. With these laptops, our students have the digital tools they need to reach their fullest potential,” said Belinda Baker, CEO, Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence. “We are grateful for AT&T’s donation and for investing in the future of our students.”

“Fort Valley State University is deeply committed to the Fort Valley community and initiatives that empower the next generation of student leaders,” said Dr. Mark Latimore, Associate Dean for Cooperative Extension, Fort Valley State University. “We are proud to stand alongside AT&T and the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence to provide Fort Valley youth and families with access to digital skills that will help them  now and in the future.” 

“AT&T is committed to helping close the digital divide, and we are proud to invest in initiatives that help Peach County students and families connect to greater possibility,” said Stan Shepherd, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia. “This collaboration with the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence and Human I-T is another example of how we are connecting Georgia communities to provide local students and families with the connectivity and digital resources they need to thrive.”