Nearly 500 scholars and families from NAZ and Urban League Twin Cities received free laptops at an enormously fun and high-energy event last month.
The laptops, funded by an AT&T donation to Human-I-T, were given to preselected students and families served by NAZ and the Urban League to help them fully participate in our digital world.
“At Human-I-T, we believe access to technology is a right, not a privilege,” said Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T. “Together with AT&T, the Urban League and NAZ, we are not just delivering new computers, but we’re also catalyzing social justice, empowering students and families, and creating positive change. Together, we’re creating a world where everyone can access opportunities to unlock their full potential.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, State Senator Bobby Joe Champion, and Minneapolis School Board Director Sharon El-Amin joined AT&T and Human-I-T to help distribute the laptops.
“The North Minneapolis scholars we serve have been denied access to resources that their counterparts in other areas of the city have had the privilege to experience,” said Sondra Samuels, NAZ President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission is to end multi-generational poverty by doing whatever it takes to help Northside children of color realize their unlimited potential academically and in life. Part of our support is building a culture of achievement, which means connecting our students to technology and the internet to help them succeed in the classroom. We are so grateful to AT&T and Human-I-T for these laptops that will make an immediate positive impact in the lives of our scholars.”
Many students and families served by the Urban League and NAZ don’t have digital basics at home, including a computer, needed to benefit from the online world – an issue known as the digital divide. A laptop will help these students and families complete homework and job searches, obtain employment, receive telehealth, and connect with family and resources in the community. Thank you again to Human I-T, Urban League, and AT&T for this generous donation and event!