AT&T donates laptops to Jackson County students, expanding digital access

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- Jackson County students are getting a boost, thanks to AT&T investing in their future with new tools for learning and long-term success.

A community giveaway at the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County brought new opportunities to local students. AT&T distributed 165 laptops along with book sacks. Student Ella Reese said, “I’m really happy to get my computer, but also, I do a lot of projects and small businesses sometimes. So, I’m probably going to use it for that and to record my YouTube channel with my cousin.”

Since 2021, AT&T has distributed more than 4,000 computers to families. It’s part of their initiative to provide more digital resources within the community. AT&T Vice President Michael Walker said, “We’re going to be working with the Boys and Girls Club to do some digital training so that those students who get the computers can learn how to use them for things beyond playing games. We want them to access the computers to know how to fill out resumes, do job searches, and conduct research for school. We’re actually trying to train up the workforce of the future because we’re going to need people that are qualified and not afraid of technology. So, I see it as a win-win.”

AT&T is investing five billion dollars to expand high-speed internet access and aiming to connect 25 million people by 2030.