As part of its nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide, the AT&T Foundation is granting $20,000 to the Louisiana Tech University Foundation to enable students to conduct digital literacy workshops for underserved individuals in the greater Ruston area.
“In today’s online, connected society, digital literacy is crucial,” said Les Guice, President of Louisiana Tech. “For adults, that’s true in everyday life, but it is particularly true as they engage with their children and assist with their education. We’re also looking forward to helping these students prepare for success in college and beyond.”
“As important as classroom work is for a child’s education, just as impactful can be the work done around a kitchen table as parents assist their children with homework,” said state Rep. Chris Turner. “That’s where young people truly understand the value of academics. I strongly support Louisiana Tech and all those helping prepare parents and students to succeed together.”
“One thing the pandemic highlighted for us in higher education was how important technology is to conducting business daily,” said Devonia Love-Vaughn, Dean of Inclusion Initiatives and Student Success at Louisiana Tech. “The project will work with parents and caregivers so they can gain the knowledge and skills needed to help prepare their children to compete safely in a global world.”
AT&T’s grant will be critical for helping build the digital skills necessary in the community to help close the digital divide.
“For more than a century, AT&T has been helping Louisianans connect,” said David J. Aubrey, Regional Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Louisiana. “While much of our work is investing in and building the advanced networks which deliver connections, we also are proud to support organizations like Louisiana Tech University that are helping bridge the digital divide for residents of our state.”
These efforts are part of AT&T’s $2 billion commitment to help bridge the digital divide through investments in digital literacy tools, education resources, broadband technology, low-cost internet service, and computers.
