YMCA Of Greater New York And AT&T Give 58 Bronx Teens Free Laptops

THE BRONX, NY — A group of 58 local Bronx high school students at Explorations Academy were given free laptops courtesy of AT&T and the YMCA of Greater New York earlier this month.

The students are all participants in Rowe Scholars, the YMCA’s comprehensive college and career access program, officials told Patch.

The laptop purchases were made possible by a $45,000 AT&T donation to the YMCA. The donation will help ensure that more Bronx teens have access to their own computer throughout the college application process – from completing applications, to submitting the FAFSA form, to bringing it with them to college.

It’s estimated that 11 percent of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world.

“We are proud to work with so many students across the city and support them on their path to college through key initiatives like the Rowe Scholars Program,” Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York, told Patch. “Laptops are a crucial resource for all students – for the college application process and beyond – and we are thrilled to collaborate with AT&T to provide more than 50 Bronx teens with their own computers. Together, we are committed to providing young New Yorkers with the resources and tools they need to succeed."

The gifted laptops are part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.

AT&T has distributed more than 6,500 computers to students and their families across New York since 2021.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like the YMCA to help close the digital equity gap in New York,”John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region, told Patch. “Access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide, and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most. We’re grateful to the YMCA for their continued collaboration and dedication to this community, and we look forward to seeing these students make the most out of the digital world.”