Boys & Girls Clubs of America Expands AT&T Partnership to Enhance Technology Access to More Youth Across America

Rhea-AI Summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and AT&T (NYSE:T) are expanding their partnership to enhance technology access for youth across America. As part of AT&T's $5 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide by 2030, the partners will open 40 new Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) in Boys & Girls Clubs by 2027. This expansion builds on the 20 CLCs already established, which have provided access to technology for over 123,000 young people.

The CLCs offer free access to digital resources, including AT&T internet, Wi-Fi, Dell computers, and digital literacy resources. They also provide virtual and in-person tutoring opportunities with AT&T employees. This initiative aims to connect more young people to greater possibilities and help them reach their full potential, leveraging the 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs embedded in communities across the country.

Positive

• AT&T commits $5 billion to bridge the digital divide and help 25 million people get connected by 2030
• Partnership expansion to open 40 new Connected Learning Centers in Boys & Girls Clubs by 2027
• 20 Connected Learning Centers already established, benefiting over 123,000 young people
• Free access to digital resources, including internet, computers, and digital literacy tools provided in CLCs
• Potential for increased brand visibility and corporate social responsibility recognition for AT&T

Negative

• None.

Insights

Corporate Social Responsibility Expert

AT&T's expanded partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) represents a significant step in corporate social responsibility, but its immediate impact on AT&T's financial performance is likely to be minimal. Here's why:

• Long-term investment: The commitment to open 40 Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) by 2027 is part of AT&T's broader $5 billion pledge to bridge the digital divide. While commendable, such initiatives typically yield intangible benefits like brand reputation and customer loyalty rather than direct financial returns.
• Scale consideration: With AT&T's annual revenue exceeding $120 billion, the investment in 40 CLCs over several years is relatively small in financial terms.
• Potential future benefits: By providing internet access and digital literacy resources to underserved communities, AT&T may be cultivating future customers and tech-savvy workers. However, these benefits are speculative and long-term.

From an investor's perspective, while this initiative enhances AT&T's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) profile, it's unlikely to move the needle on short-term financial performance. The real value lies in the potential for long-term brand building and market expansion in underserved areas.

Telecommunications Industry Analyst

AT&T's partnership expansion with BGCA is a strategic move in the competitive telecommunications landscape. Here's what investors should consider:

• Market penetration: By establishing CLCs in Boys & Girls Clubs, AT&T gains a foothold in communities where it may have presence. This could lead to increased brand awareness and potential customer acquisition in the long run.
• Technology adoption: Exposing young people to AT&T's internet services and digital platforms like The Achievery^SM could foster brand loyalty among future consumers.
• Competitive advantage: This initiative differentiates AT&T from competitors by associating the brand with social good and community development. In a saturated market, such distinctions can be valuable for customer retention and acquisition.
• Regulatory goodwill: Demonstrating commitment to bridging the digital divide could potentially smooth regulatory paths for AT&T in the future, especially in matters related to network expansion or merger approvals.

While the financial impact may not be immediate, this partnership could contribute to AT&T's long-term market position and regulatory standing. Investors should view this as part of AT&T's broader strategy to secure its future in an evolving digital landscape.

This partnership milestone comes as a part of AT&T’s $5 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide and help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following a celebration to honor AT&T’s 50^th Connected Learning Center (CLC) opening last week in Austin, Boys & Girls Clubs of America announces the opening of 40 technology spaces in Boys & Girls Clubs by 2027.

As a part of AT&T’s $5 billion commitment to help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030, the partners will join forces to equip 40 Boys & Girls Clubs with brand new Connected Learning Centers, making technology accessible for kids and teens in communities and neighborhoods across the nation.

“Today, success inside the classroom requires access to online tools and resources outside of it, which means that every Connected Learning Center represents a hub of opportunity for young people,” said Jim Clark, president & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We’re grateful to have a partner like AT&T who is helping to remove barriers so more kids and teens across America can achieve a great future.”

To-date, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has worked with AT&T to open 20 Connected Learning Centers, bringing access to technology to over 123,000 young people. Additionally, the partners will identify 20 new Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation to receive a Connected Learning Center by 2027.

“Connectivity is key to equipping young people for a promising future,” said Jeff McElfresh, chief operating officer, AT&T. “The technology skills and training delivered in CLCs will continue to bridge the digital divide and open doors for Boys & Girls Club members and their families nationwide for years to come.”

Housed within local organizations supporting communities in need, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, AT&T Connected Learning Centers provide free access to a range of digital resources, including AT&T internet and Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers, The Achievery ^SM, a free digital learning platform created by AT&T, and digital literacy resources available through AT&T ScreenReady ^®. Students and families also have access to free virtual and in-person tutoring and mentoring opportunities with AT&T employees.

As reliable internet and connectivity fuels nearly everything we do, strong communities and equitable opportunities for all people depend on access to affordable, high-performance connectivity – and the digital literacy resources that promote its safe and effective use. With over 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs embedded in communities across the country, this partnership expansion will connect even more young people to greater possibilities, enabling them to reach their full potential.

For more information Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s partnership with AT&T, visit bgca.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of its companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021 to 2023 to address the digital divide, AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240725885357/en/

Eliza Lynch

elynch@bgca.org

203-522-7010

Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America

FAQ

How many Connected Learning Centers will AT&T and Boys & Girls Clubs of America open by 2027?

AT&T and Boys & Girls Clubs of America plan to open 40 new Connected Learning Centers in Boys & Girls Clubs by 2027.

What is AT&T's (T) commitment to bridging the digital divide?

AT&T (T) has committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected by 2030, aiming to bridge the digital divide.

How many young people have benefited from the existing Connected Learning Centers?

Over 123,000 young people have gained access to technology through the 20 Connected Learning Centers already established by AT&T and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

What resources are provided in AT&T's Connected Learning Centers?

AT&T's Connected Learning Centers provide free access to AT&T internet and Wi-Fi, Dell Technologies computers, The Achievery digital learning platform, digital literacy resources, and tutoring opportunities with AT&T employees.