Nearly 900 students in Houston receive free laptops from AT&T

HOUSTON – Hundreds of students across the Houston area received laptops this week thanks to AT&T.

AT&T’s Summer of Connectivity program provided 900 students with FREE refurbished laptops. The students were pre-selected by Compudopt.

The company’s “H-Town Summer of Connectivity” program is part of its way to help bridge the digital divide by connecting students to skills, resources and opportunities for success in school and life.

• Free and discounted internet: This program helps families in need receive services

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in Texas lack broadband access. Twenty-three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a healthcare provider virtually from their living room, fill out a job application online, or connect online to start a business or access virtual marketplaces from their kitchen table. On a national scale, more than one-third (35%) of U.S households lack connection to the internet.

• Program to provide discounted internet service to low-income families. Here’s what you should know

“Bridging the digital divide for Houston students is critical to their futures by improving access to countless opportunities – from educational to economic and more,” said Texas state Rep. Armando Walle. “I’m honored to join AT&T for the ‘H-Town: Summer of Connectivity’ kick-off event, and I appreciate AT&T’s commitment to Houston students.”