In today's digital world, staying connected goes far beyond socializing. It’s about attending school, managing work, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and supporting one’s family. Yet, maintaining these connections in an increasingly digital world can be challenging for many, particularly those without reliable access to the technology that enables these critical tasks. In many communities, especially low-income areas, access to such resources is limited, creating significant barriers to progress. To address this, AT&T is working nationwide to help bridge the digital divide for those lacking the technology and skills necessary to thrive. In our region, AT&T’s contribution to Techquity is helping to make meaningful strides toward this goal.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County's Techquity is an innovative collective impact initiative. The vision is clear: to achieve digital equity and inclusion for every resident across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. The Techquity initiative focuses on advancing this vision through three key strategies: enhancing broadband access, providing devices, and developing essential skills and digital literacy. By fostering community partnerships, Techquity unites stakeholders from diverse sectors – including business, government, education, and social services – to work collaboratively toward promoting digital equity and inclusion for all.
AT&T’s efforts to help bridge the digital divide align seamlessly with Techquity’s vision. Their commitment to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives shines through their AT&T Connected Learning® program, which invests in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. But beyond dollars and numbers, their support of Techquity is reflected in their volunteer efforts.
AT&T employees are instilled with philanthropic values that help strengthen their communities. During Techquity Device Distribution events, which connect people in need with laptop computers, AT&T employees are found front-and-center assisting people to not only receive this essential digital resource, but in setting up their laptop, answering questions, and providing a starting point for digital literacy learning and education. Giving back to their neighbors allows AT&T employees to leverage their skills and make a profound impact on the communities they serve. These distribution events allow Techquity to be closer to our goal of providing 50,000 computers to people who need them across United Way’s four counties by 2027.
AT&T’s contribution and volunteerism have been vital for the success of these events and opening doors for the community. As we share the mission of lifting and empowering underserved communities, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is deeply grateful for AT&T’s unwavering commitment to supporting Techquity and the communities in which we live, work, and make vital connections. When we come together, we don’t just respond to the challenges of today. We create lasting solutions that shape our community for generations to come.
Pictured: top, December 2024, AT&T staff members provided United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County staff members with a contribution to Techquity.; bottom, AT&T staff members assist during one of Techquity’s Device Distribution events.
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