YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – AT&T and Human I-T provided Oak Hill Collaborative with 50 refurbished laptops Thursday to distribute to city residents in need.
The laptops will be distributed to residents who have completed Oak Hill Collaborative’s Hardware 4 Homes Program, and the donation includes free Microsoft Office Suite licensing, a one-year warranty, a year of tech support and assistance and accessories such as a mouse and mousepad.
Patrick Kerrigan, executive director of Oak Hill, said the donation empowers Youngstown residents to stay connected to each other and the vital services the internet provides.
“AT&T and Human-IT’s donation to bridge the digital divide locally is critical for many residents, whether they use these devices at home, for work, to shop, to apply for government benefits and access telehealth services or anything else they may need,” Kerrigan said. “By completing our program, these residents have proven they know how to use these devices, and we want to ensure they stay connected to what matters most.”
AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing 4,000 computers to students and their families across Ohio since 2021.
“AT&T is committed to connecting people to greater possibilities in Ohio and across the country. It’s what we do,” said Tony Costanzo, director of external and legislative affairs, AT&T Ohio. “So we’re excited to work with Human I-T to provide these 50 laptops and open a world of opportunities for students who need them at Oak Hill Collaborative. We can’t wait to learn how the students at Oak Hill use them to improve their lives. And we know they will, because connecting changes everything.”
Oak Hill Collaborative’s Hardware 4 Homes Program allows qualifying residents to learn and earn technology. After completing eight different classes, residents graduate with a free laptop. All classes are free and start with beginner-friendly skills and hands-on training and scale upward to include workshops on intermediate and advanced applications and programs.