NBA player Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat just gave these local Miami students the upgrade of a lifetime by surprising them with digital learning tools, Newsone reports.
After teaming up with AT&T and Connected Nation, a nonprofit with a commitment to bridging broadband and digital technology gaps throughout the country, Adebayo was able to provide the after-school program with digital devices and hotspots for the next school year.
The efforts will help the students further their learning both at the center and from the comfort of their homes.
This comes as a part of AT&T’s $2 billion commitment over the next 3 years to address the digital divide.
Oxford defines the digital divide as “the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet and those who do not.”
“For so many students, our nation’s schools and nonprofit organizations are their only source for social connections and resources for remote learning that have become so vital for future success,” said Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility at AT&T in a statement. “The pandemic has made clear the nation has more work to do to ensure equitable outcomes, and we’re proud to continue our support for those making a difference to students most at risk.”
Just last year, the NBA and AT&T created a matching campaign where they pledged $100K to Connected Nation.
It looks like the NBA is not letting up when it comes to projects centered around the digital divide.
During the height of the pandemic, Russell Westbrook donated 650 computers to underprivileged students in Houston, Texas.
Bradley Beal also donated laptops to the Ron Brown College Preparatory High School based in Washington, D.C.
Now, these Florida students will have the tools to access the resources that are imperative to learning from home.
