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Excitement buzzed through The Salvation Army Long Beach (California) Red Shield July 21, as 150 eighth-grade graduates from nearby Jackie Robinson Academy gathered to receive refurbished laptops, new earbuds and backpacks filled with school supplies—all to gear up for their freshman year of high school.
For recipient Princess Smith, the new laptop meant a fresh start with fewer obstacles.
“I feel prepared for the new school year,” she said. “It will be easier to work on assignments and study at home.”
Her mom, Angie Smith, said her daughter is dedicated to her education and learning, but her old laptop had stopped working.
“It makes me happy to see she has what she needs now. It takes some of the stress of buying one off my shoulders,” she said, adding the device will also help her daughter stay connected to friends.
The effort is part of AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative, carried out in collaboration with Human I-T—a nonprofit that refurbishes tech devices—that aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology and the internet.
During a tour of the Long Beach Red Shield, AT&T staff learned many Jackie Robinson Academy students, whose school is less than a mile away, participate in the Red Shield’s programs and clubs.
Recognizing that many of the would-be incoming high school students lacked laptops, AT&T selected the school for the donation, celebrating students in June with a graduation event where they received certificates to redeem for the laptops at the July 21 event.
“Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of opportunity, but millions of Americans still don’t have access to high-speed internet, can’t afford it or have the know-how to use it,” said AT&T External Affairs Area Manager Carmen Shoemaker.
The laptops come preloaded with Human I-T software and support, making it easy for users to get assistance when needed. Recipients also have the option to sign up for “Access from AT&T,” the company’s limited-income internet service plan.
Since 2021, AT&T has distributed more than 30,000 devices to students, older adults and families across California, according to Shoemaker.
“This is another step forward as we come together to help bridge the digital divide,” she said.
Long Beach Red Shield Corps Officer Captain Jared Arnold highlighted the importance of equipping students with the online resources and technology often needed to succeed in his remarks to attendees.
“It’s common to think of laptops as a luxury, but in reality, they have become a standard,” Arnold said. “So much of learning has shifted online, and these devices provide students with the tools they need to grow and learn.”
For Cassandra Sampson, who is the primary caregiver of her two grandchildren, the giveaway provided much-needed support.
“Things are expensive these days, and it can be hard to keep up,” Sampson said. “It’s important for them to go back to school knowing they have everything they need to be successful.”
She said her teen grandkids have faced mental health challenges and struggled with finding their place among friend groups.
“The laptops will open more doors and help them stay connected with their friends and peers online,” Sampson said. “Everyone is online these days, and it’s reassuring to know kids won’t be left out and that everyone here has access to the digital world.”
For 14-year-old Oscar Ramos, the first thing he plans to do is set up his laptop and download some online games to play with his friends.
“Sometimes it’s hard to see all of my friends during the summer,” Ramos said. “Playing games online is a way to still have fun and hang out.”
Arnold said that no matter how students or their families choose to use the laptops, what matters most is that they have the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom for years to come.
“We’re so grateful to AT&T for supporting our youth and giving them this opportunity,” he said. “We hope to continue hosting these graduations and empowering future generations.”
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