AT&T Connected Learning Center Opens at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula's Menlo Park Clubhouse

Nearly 100 elementary school students were buzzing with anticipation as AT&T opened a new Connected Learning Center on September 19 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula (BGCP) McNeil Family Clubhouse in Menlo Park. Alongside the students and adding to their excitement were local dignitaries, including AT&T's Charles Mastoloni, BGCP CEO Jenny Obiaya, County Supervisors Lisa Gauthier and David Canepa, and Menlo Park Mayor Drew Combs.

The Connected Learning Center (CLC) brings the students high-speed internet access, computers, and other digital resources. AT&T also gifted BGCP $50,000 on top of the technological contributions.

The new CLC is the 16th to open in California and first in San Mateo County. The new center exemplifies AT&T’s ongoing work to connect Californians with technologies and opportunities that help uplift communities.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, we are committed to empowering young people with the skills and confidence to reach their full potential,” Obiaya said. “This new Connected Learning Center gives our students and families direct access to the technology, connectivity and support they need to succeed in school, work and life. We’re thrilled to work with AT&T to bring these opportunities to our community.”

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still lack access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide. The Public Policy Institute of California reports 41% of low-income households in the state still do not have full digital access to both the internet and a device for educational purposes.

This is why AT&T prioritizes local investments to deliver high-speed fiber internet where it’s needed most, helping to bridge the digital divide in California communities. “Too many families still face barriers to fully participating in today’s digital world, and that’s exactly what we’re working to change,” said Charles Mastoloni, External Affairs, AT&T California. “By working with trusted community organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, we’re ensuring kids and families have access not only to technology, but also to the resources and mentors who can help them thrive in a connected future.”

The Connected Learning Center offers free access to digital resources, including high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi and Dell computers. It also provides educational resources such as The Achievery, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Tutoring and mentoring are also provided by AT&T employees and community leaders.

This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help bridge the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.

“Access to reliable internet and digital tools is a necessity for education, employment and civic participation,” said Lisa Gauthier, San Mateo County Supervisor, District 4. “I applaud AT&T and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula for bringing this Connected Learning Center to Menlo Park. This investment will strengthen our community, close opportunity gaps, and open doors for the students and families who need it most.”

AT&T opens these centers within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting underserved populations within their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable adults. The company plans to offer at least 100 CLCs by the end of 2027.

As part of their commitment to digital inclusion, Dell Technologies has donated Dell OptiPlex computers with integrated audio and webcams. World Wide Technology, a leading minority supplier of IT services, is handling configuration and installation.