AT&T and partners donate 185 laptops to address digital divide in Greenfield

GREENFIELD — AT&T, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Human-I-T have provided 185 refurbished laptops to Greenfield Community Science Workshop (Greenfield CSW) and Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (FMCFL) for distributing to Monterey County residents in need.

The computers, funded by AT&T’s $125,000 donation from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s Birdies for Students program, were given to Greenfield CSW and FMCFL students and families on Feb. 22.

“In today’s society, access to reliable internet and digital devices has become essential for everyday tasks — from schoolwork to work and health care. This need is especially critical in communities like Greenfield and South Monterey County,” said Fabian Chacon, coordinator at Greenfield CSW. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with AT&T and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation to help close this gap. Today’s efforts will have a lasting impact on the education, future and well-being of these students, their families and our broader region.”

Beyond the laptop distribution, the Saturday event brought the community together, with families enjoying food, resources, golf and hands-on science with the Science Workshop.

“It is truly an honor to collaborate with AT&T, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and our incredible community partners to create such a meaningful event,” added Juliet Pool, executive director of FMCFL. “Most importantly, we are deeply grateful for AT&T’s generous contribution of free laptops, ensuring that students have access to the essential technology they need to succeed.”

In California, it’s estimated that 8% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.

This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help address 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. This includes distributing more than 26,000 devices to students and their families across California since 2021.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close the digital equity gap in Monterey County,” said Marc Blakeman, president of AT&T California and Pacific States. “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.”

According to Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T, their mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, can access the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

“At Human-I-T, we believe that access to technology should never be a barrier to opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Greenfield Community Science Workshop and the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries to help bridge the digital divide,” Middleton said. “Greenfield CSW empowers students to explore their passion for science beyond the classroom, while FMCFL ensures that everyone has access to free resources and information to fuel their curiosity and ambitions. Together with AT&T, our organizations are not just providing information — we’re opening doors to opportunity, innovation and a brighter future for all.”