As part of AT&T’s continuing commitment to help bridge the homework gap through efforts that promote broadband affordability, accessibility and adoption, AT&T has contributed $45,000 to Inspiredu. The contribution enables Inspiredu to expand the impactful Family Learning Program.

Inspiredu’s mission is to help tomorrow’s leaders develop the skills needed for education and career success, and the Family Learning Program helps champion this mission by connecting students, families, caregivers and schools with technology‐based learning tools. 

Today, too many struggle with digital learning, because of insufficient internet connections at home, lack of laptops or other devices, and poor digital literacy skills – especially now amidst the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic.

Because of the AT&T Foundation contribution, Inspiredu is now offering the Family Learning Program at The Kindezi Schools and supporting 125 families with students attending the Old Fourth Ward, West and Gideons campuses. 

“At The Kindezi Schools, we strive to foster a community that educates and values every child,” said Dr. Kelly Gunn, Executive Director of The Kindezi Schools. “What makes Inspiredu’s Family Learning Program so critical is that it seeks to help students who have been disproportionately disconnected from learning opportunities. Thanks to the AT&T Foundation’s support, our students are able to participate in digital learning while being supported by caregivers whose digital skills have been strengthened by Inspiredu’s technical training. This is indeed a community-based approach that educates and values every child.”

“Our students need immediate solutions for overcoming barriers to broadband access, affordability and adoption,” said Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T Georgia. “AT&T is proud to collaborate with Inspiredu to help close the homework gap for some of our most vulnerable students in Atlanta and empower parents and caregivers to best support their 21st century learners.”

Inspiredu’s Family Learning Program provides families in need with a free Laptop Home Learning Center. Each Laptop Home Learning Center is preloaded with broadband readiness, Microsoft Office Suite, antivirus protection, help desk support and the Inspiredu Learning Launchpad software.

In addition to the devices, the Family Learning Program provides technology training focused on strengthening computer skills and fostering safe navigation of the digital world. The work at The Kindezi Schools will consist of monthly family workshops on the essentials of home learning, digital footprint management, software education, proper use and care of the hardware, internet security, and low-cost internet services, including Access by AT&T.

“We are thrilled to be working with AT&T, who shares our commitment to community building,” said Richard Hicks, CEO and President of Inspiredu. “Together, we’re investing the resources necessary to deliver the vital training and infrastructure needed to help bridge the digital divide for underserved communities in Atlanta.”

Hicks continued, “November is celebrated as Family Engagement Month to highlight the important role parents and caregivers play in a child’s education. We are proud to kick-off Family Engagement Month with the Kindezi Schools and AT&T by providing increasing digital inclusion opportunities for our underserved Atlanta communities. And, we will keep championing until there is digital equity.”

In today’s educational world, being able to receive progress reports, report cards, and school announcements and retrieve educational materials all depends upon being able to access the school portal. Unfortunately, many school portals are not fully accessible on cell phones, so having a laptop or home computer is critical for student success. Providing this access to families through our Laptop Home Learning Centers, and showing them how to use the technology, benefits the children and the caregivers immeasurably.

At the end of the technical training, Inspiredu provides each student with a backpack to carry the new device and each family with a Family Learning Kit to facilitate ongoing education and support. Additionally, the Laptop Home Learning Center becomes the family’s property, with Inspiredu providing technical training and support for one year after the initial tutoring support.