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AT&T Invests in NPower for Digital Literacy and Community Tech Support

In a bold move to support economic mobility through technology, AT&T has donated $900,000 to NPower, a renowned nonprofit organization committed to enhancing digital literacy among young adults and military-connected individuals from low-income backgrounds. This funding is aimed at significantly expanding NPower’s digital literacy programs and providing essential tech support services to underserved communities across the United States.

Empowering through Technology

Founded with the vision of bridging the gap in technology access, NPower focuses on equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in today's increasingly digital landscape. The recent infusion of funds will directly benefit approximately 3,000 students, providing them with free digital literacy workshops, tech training, and resources that are crucial for success in the modern workforce.

One of the highlighted initiatives under this funding is the launch of NPower's Civic Tech Lab—a digital hub where students trained in IT will offer technology assistance to their local communities. This includes helping individuals navigate virtual platforms, troubleshoot technical issues, and access valuable digital learning tools, such as AT&T’s ScreenReadyⓇ platform. By acting as referral partners for the Community Help Desk, these students will connect community members to ongoing tech support and workshops offered by NPower while honing their own readiness for the workforce.

Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "We highly value AT&T's collaboration and our shared vision to help individuals—from students and seniors to small business owners—navigate technology effectively and responsibly. This partnership not only enhances our Community Help Desk model but also empowers NPower graduates to share their tech skills and knowledge within their communities, creating a win-win situation."

Integrating Digital Skills into Learning

Moreover, this investment will facilitate the incorporation of AT&T's online digital literacy courses into NPower’s Tech Fundamentals curriculum. This curriculum is particularly designed to cover essential areas such as digital literacy, online safety, and responsible digital citizenship. The goal is to arm students with the skills they need to excel in their careers while being conscientious users and stewards of technology in their communities.

Mylayna Albright, AT&T's AVP of Corporate Responsibility, highlighted the company's dedication to narrowing the digital divide, asserting that they aim to empower people with skills essential for thriving in today’s digital world. "By supporting NPower's innovative programs, we are investing in the future of our communities, enabling people to gain essential digital literacy skills while enabling them to assist others. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to promoting digital inclusion, ensuring everyone can fully engage in the digital economy," she stated.

Building on Previous Investments

This latest financial contribution from AT&T follows a substantial investment of $1.8 million made in 2022, which aided NPower in creating Community Help Desks in cities like St. Louis and Dallas. Through these help desks, students are provided with hands-on experience toward workforce readiness skills, certifications, and recognized programs such as the Department of Labor IT Generalist Apprentice designation. The sustained investment of AT&T underscores its long-term commitment to enhancing digital literacy and inclusion across NPower’s programs nationwide.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ensuring access to technology and digital skills becomes more crucial than ever. Organizations like NPower, supported by generous donations from companies like AT&T, are at the forefront of making meaningful strides towards creating a more inclusive and knowledgeable tech workforce. With their aim to serve 15,000 students annually by 2030, NPower is dedicated to ensuring that the tech workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

For more information on NPower's Tech Fundamentals program, visit NPower.

About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit organization that provides free tech training, support services, and job placement assistance to young adults and military-connected individuals from low-income backgrounds. Since inception in 2000, NPower has equipped over 10,000 students across 13 cities with skills for careers in technology, empowering them through rigorous training complemented by trauma-informed support services.

About AT&T’s Philanthropy

AT&T is committed to bridging the digital divide, investing in initiatives that improve connectivity, promote digital literacy, and enhance access to high-speed Internet across the country. Since 2021, AT&T has dedicated $5 billion to support programs that significantly uplift underserved communities, emphasizing its focus on ensuring everyone can fully partake in the benefits of the digital world.