AT&T opened a Connected Learning Center (CLC) Oct. 8 inside the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (BGCNEO) Steve Wise Club in Akron, giving students and families free access to high-speed internet, computers and digital skills training.
The company invested $50,000 in BGCNEO to support the center, the first of its kind in Akron and the fourth in Ohio. AT&T also gave 50 refurbished laptops to local families who were selected before the event.
By the numbers
- $50,000 AT&T investment in BGCNEO to support the center
- 50 refurbished laptops given to local families
- Four AT&T CLCs now open in Ohio
- 100th CLC nationwide, which AT&T said it is on track to open in 2026
- $5 billion AT&T commitment to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030
- 31 clubs BGCNEO operates across seven counties
What the center offers
The CLC provides free access to AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi and Dell computers. Dell Technologies donated OptiPlex computers with integrated audio and webcams.
Visitors can also use The Achievery, AT&T’s free digital learning platform, and take free digital literacy courses offered in partnership with the Public Library Association. AT&T employees and community leaders can provide tutoring and mentoring.
“We do not take for granted the importance of connectivity, digital literacy and technical support needed to succeed in today’s world,” said Allen Smith, CEO of BGCNEO. “This new space will help open doors for the students and families we serve and unlock a world of learning.”
Akron’s mayor joins the opening
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined Smith, AT&T representatives, local youth and families to open the center…