AT&T Opens Connected Learning Center at Puede Network in Dallas to Help Bridge the Digital Divide

New dedicated learning center in the Puede Network will provide access to high-speed internet, Dell computers and digital learning resources for the community 

Key Takeaways: 

• Puede Network and AT&T open new Connected Learning Center to provide digital resources for the community.
• AT&T contributed an additional $50,000 to support the center.
• S. Census Bureau data indicate almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in Texas lack broadband access, an issue known as the digital divide.

AT&T opened a new Connected Learning Center inside the Puede Network in Dallas to provide internet access and high-quality educational tools to residents who encounter barriers to online participation. In addition, AT&T made a $50,000 contribution to the Puede Network for programming support.

Puede Network is a youth empowerment organization dedicated to creating access and exposure to educational resources necessary to become well-rounded members of society.

U.S. Census Bureau data indicate almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in Texas lack broadband access, an issue known as the digital divide.  On a national scale, more than one-third (35%) of U.S. households lack connection to the internet, and many don’t have the digital literacy skills needed to navigate the online world.

“The Connected Learning Center at the Puede Network will help members of our community bridge the digital divide – giving them regular access to a computer and the digital literacy and support they need to use the internet – for school assignments, college applications, job searches, health care information and so much more,” said the Hon. Marc Veasey, U.S. House of Representatives (TX-33). “This access is vital as not having large screen devices puts many low-income families at a sizable disadvantage in their education and in the job market.”

Texas state Rep. Rafael Anchía added, “When the private sector teams up with local partners, innovative, community-based solutions emerge.  AT&T Connected Learning Centers will help students and families harness the promise and power of the internet for every aspect of their daily lives.”

Texas state Rep. Jessica González said, “Education can chart a child’s future, opening doors and setting students up for a lifetime of achievement. But we all know our students can’t succeed in today’s ever-connected society without access to the internet and the digital literacy to use the countless online resources available today in a safe and effective manner.  I greatly appreciate AT&T and the Puede Network for coming together to open this new Connected Learning Center that will serve our students and help secure their future.”

 The Puede Network Connected Learning Center is the fourth such center in Dallas and the ninth in Texas.  As part of the collaboration between AT&T and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to address the digital divide within the Latino and Hispanic communities, participating students will get the opportunity to learn about coding through The Achievery, AT&T’s free digital learning platform for K-12 students who will create an interactive game during the session. Parents will receive an overview of The Achievery platform, and a Digital Literacy workshop into its programming. They will learn to utilize The Achievery not only for coding with their kids but also social and emotional learning, science and math amongst others. Parents and students will also get the opportunity to explore the Scratch platform. They will be given the tools to take complete advantage of both the Scratch platform and The Achievery which will provide resources and videos to further dive into their coding journey.  This collaboration is part of AT&T’s $1 million contribution to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and aims to engage over 10,000 students, parents and caregivers in underserved communities across 75 cities nationwide, with key states including Texas, Georgia, California and Florida.

“The opening of AT&T’s fourth Connected Learning Center in Dallas directly reflects our commitment to this community and to bridging the digital divide in Texas,” said Lynette Aguilar, AT&T Vice-President and General Manager – North Texas. “With this center, we will get more Texans connected and make a positive impact in Dallas, all while giving local students and families access to free internet connectivity and the educational and mentoring resources to help them succeed.”

AT&T launched this Connected Learning Center as part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to address the digital divide through investments in internet accessibility, affordability and the safe adoption of technology. AT&T opens these centers within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting underserved populations within their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families. The company plans to offer more than 50 locations by mid-2024.

As part of their commitment to digital inclusion, Dell Technologies has donated Dell OptiPlex computers with integrated audio and webcams. World Wide Technology, a leading minority supplier of IT services, is handling configuration and installation.

“This new Connected Learning Center will serve a critical role in our mission to uplift our community and empower our youth,” said Adan Gonzalez, Founder & Executive Director, Puede Network. “It will provide invaluable access to high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide and offering countless opportunities for education and growth.

*About Puede Network

Puede Network is a youth empowerment organization that provides underserved minority students with transformative programming encompassing academics, health and nutrition, community stewardship, recreational athletics, and socio-emotional support.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

For more information, contact:          

Matt Lawson – AT&T Corporate Communications  972.595.4598 – matt.lawson@att.com