CLEVELAND — Another connected learning center has opened its doors in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood, this time with the help of AT&T and NBA Cares.
Located at the Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3), it's the second center of its kind in the city. Local leaders say it will provide benefits to more than just local students.
Said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb:
"We cannot overstate the importance of connecting our residents to the digital economy. This investment by AT&T provides infrastructure, supports the work of a valued local program at ASC3, increases connectivity in a core Cleveland neighborhood, and even brings computers to families that need them. Connecting Clevelanders is vital but as mayor, I can't do that alone. We must engage the private sector with partners like AT&T to help our residents get the skills they need to compete in our economy today."
AT&T opened the city's first CLC at Esperanza back in December. The company says its part of its $2 billion commitment to help bridge the digital divide nationally, with more than 13,000 grade school students in Cleveland alone lacking internet access.
ASC3 Executive Director Wanda Davis stated:
"We have never been afraid to reach to AT&T about our families who need assistance. AT&T always comes to bat. This Connected Learning Center and the fiber internet service in our neighborhoods will help connect our families to learning, to jobs and to health care. I can now say there is no reason for people in this area to not be connected, and we are so pleased to help them learn all it can do for them."
The center will feature high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, Dell computers, and education resources. In addition, NBA Cares will provide 500 laptops for underserved families.