As part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide and support student success, the AT&T Foundation granted $215,000 to organizations across the state in 2022. The company also is working with local libraries and other nonprofit organizations in the state to offer digital literacy programs and refurbished computers for students.
“The pandemic heightened the challenges faced by students here in New Jersey and nationwide,” Joseph Divis, president, AT&T New Jersey, said. “Underresourced neighborhoods were hit particularly hard, which is why we’ve teamed up with organizations across the state who share our desire to help students in New Jersey prepare for success in school, on the job and in life.”
“AT&T and the AT&T Foundation’s support of these programs will help New Jerseyans of all ages catch up on learning lost during the pandemic and boost their digital literacy skills in an increasingly connected world. We all have to work together on these issues, and I’m glad to see that AT&T has stepped in to help,” Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Paterson) said.
The organizations that received AT&T Foundation grants include:
- NPower (Jersey City): $25,000 to support NPower NJ Tech Fundamentals program, which serves veterans, veterans’ spouses and young adults (age 18-26) from underserved communities with information technology training, professional development, wrap-around social services, paid internships and job placement.
- Gateway Community Action Partnership (Bridgeton): $25,000 to support youth in achieving and maintaining academic success and personal well-being through access to technology, tutoring, mentoring, counseling and positive social interactions in a safe, reliable and comfortable setting.
- Community Foundation of New Jersey (Newark): $30,000 to support the Newark Summer Youth Employment Program, an established program with years of success, which offers a life-changing opportunity for motivated Newark youth to gain workforce skills, financial knowledge, career exposure and coaching on a pathway to a sustainable career and financial stability.
- Boys & Girls Club Mercer County (Trenton): $25,000 to support the afterschool homework help and supplemental education programs for 800 K-8th grade youth participating in the Boys & Girls Club afterschool program during the 2022-2023 school year at 12 locations in Trenton & Ewing.
- New Jersey Community Development Corp. (Paterson): $25,000 to support New Jersey Community Development Corp.’s afterschool tutoring program, which will help bridge the digital divide for high school students in Paterson.
- Boys & Girls Club Hudson County (Jersey City and Bayonne): $25,000 to support the Teen Tech Center, a program specifically designed to teach technology skills, reduce the digital divide and encourage youth from Jersey City and Bayonne to pursue postsecondary education in STEM fields.
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation — JAG New Jersey (statewide): $20,000 to support the Jobs for America’s Graduates NJ program, dedicated to helping youth of promise graduate high school and make successful transitions to postsecondary education and meaningful employment.
- Puerto Rican Action Board (New Brunswick): $15,000 to support students who may need additional technological resources to address the challenges of internet-based schoolwork.
- Hopeworks N Camden (Camden): $25,000 to support the Hopeworks program, which provides digital skills training, digital access, food support, health support, housing support and other resources to underserved community members.
