The new AT&T Connected Learning Center provides access to high-speed Internet, free Wi-Fi, Dell computers and digital learning resources.
Local and state leaders joined AT&T on Wednesday, Sept. 10 to officially cut the ribbon for the new center at 935 Baxter St. SE.
“Together with AT&T, we’re not just providing technology access, we are creating a space where individuals can access health care, find job opportunities, pursue education and build meaningful connections with their neighbors,” said Sonja Forte, executive director of the Baxter Community Center. “This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when corporate citizenship aligns with community needs.”
Baxter first opened its doors in the summer of 1969, and since then, has grown and added programs ad the needs of the neighborhood have evolved, including offering summer camp and a child development center.
The new Connected Learning Center inside Baxter is the first in Grand Rapids and the third in the state. AT&T contributed an additional $50,000 to support the center.
As part of their commitment to digital inclusion, Dell Technologies has also donated 15 Dell OptiPlex computers with integrated audio and webcams. World Wide Technology is handling configuration and installation.
“You wouldn’t believe the number of people that still come here and ask us to fax things over to DHS (State of Michigan Department of Human Services),” Forte said. “Those are the ones that get caught in a pile and take a long time to take care of, so we want to be able to help people have that access.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still don’t have access to the Internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world — an issue known as the digital divide.
Since launching the Connected Learning initiative in 2021, AT&T has helped address the digital divide through Internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
In addition to offering free access to high-speed Internet, the Connected Learning Center also provides educational tools, such as a free learning platform called The Achievery, free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association, and tutoring and mentoring from AT&T employees and community leaders.
“We’re doing everything we can to connect constituents and customers from all over the country, particularly here in Michigan,” said David Lewis, president of AT&T Heartland States.
“This is now an area where you have the best Wi-Fi, best Internet, young people can do homework — we have those who are trying to get back in the workforce or senior citizens learning how to understand the ever-changing evolution of technology.”
AT&T opens Connected Learning Centers within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting underserved populations in their communities.
Lewis told MLive that they’ve worked with the Baxter Community Center for years, and it was an easy decision to implement the next location at the Grand Rapids site.
The center is in the process of developing structured hours, but hopes to offer open hours alongside class time.
There will be opportunities to access classes on cybersecurity, how to prevent identity theft, computer basics, and other school learning resources for kids such as homework helpers.
Forte said she wants to make sure that Baxter has time for all of those things as the team structures the center.
“It’s a testament to the work that Baxter has done,” she said. “We’ve been in the community for 56 years now, and I think a lot of times we work quietly and so people forget about us, but to see somebody recognize us and say, ’Hey, you’re the ideal place for us to do this type of programming,’ it makes me proud of the work we do and gives you a little room to keep going.”
AT&T plans to open at least 25 more Connected Learning Centers nationwide by the end of the year and an additional 100 by the end 2027.
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