AT&T and Human-I-T are collaborating with SER Metro-Detroit to provide 100 refurbished laptops to seniors affected by the digital divide.
The laptops, funded by an AT&T community investment, were given to pre-selected seniors attending an event at AT&T’s Connected Learning Center (CLC) located within SER Metro-Detroit on Tuesday, May 19.
“We know how important connection is for seniors,” said David Lewis, President, AT&T Heartland States. “Technology can make life more convenient, safe, and connected to loved ones. But we also know that older adults are the demographic least likely to be online for a variety of factors. With these laptops, we hope to help more seniors in Detroit have the resources and digital knowledge they need to keep those connections.”
“Ensuring Detroit’s senior residents have access to all of the resources they need to thrive is a major focus of mine and my administration. That includes having access to the tools and skills needed to participate in today’s digital world,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “This collaboration with AT&T, Human-I-T and SER Metro-Detroit will help more seniors access important online resources, stay connected with family and community, and navigate everyday life with greater confidence.”
After the device distribution, seniors also learned about digital literacy topics ranging from basic technology skills like how to navigate websites and use email, to how to stay safe online and avoid scams and fraud.
“At SER Metro-Detroit, we see every day how important digital connection is for our seniors – from staying in touch with loved ones to accessing essential services and community resources,” said Eva Garza Dewaelsche, President & CEO, SER Metro-Detroit. “These laptops from AT&T will help seniors build confidence, strengthen their technology skills, and stay connected in meaningful ways.”
AT&T opened its CLC at SER Metro-Detroit in 2022 to provide free access to digital resources, including high-speed AT&T Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, Dell computers, and digital literacy resources to the Detroit community.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide, including in Michigan, still 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.
The Pew Research Center found that older adults were the least likely demographic to be online in 2021 by a wide margin. Age was found to be a greater predictor of access than race, socioeconomic group, education level, or geographic location. In the United States, 25 percent of adults over 65 reported not using the internet at all in a 2021 study.1 Only 65% of this age group reported having broadband at home2, and their smartphone use (61%) was lower than any other demographic. 3
The recent event at SER Metro-Detroit was 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.
Editor’s Note: Eva Garza Dewaelsche is the owner and publisher of EL CENTRAL Hispanic News, however, the media outlet had no role in the laptop giveaway.
About SER Metro-Detroit
SER Metro Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER) is a community-based organization that believes in advancing people, growing businesses and strengthening communities. For the past 50 plus years, SER has assisted thousands of vulnerable and impoverished residents from across the City of Detroit, the region and communities it serves in becoming financially stable through quality employment, education and training programs. For more information about SER programs and locations, please visit http://www.sermetro.org.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.
