In part 2 of our interview with Riley Blount, President of AT&T Georgia, she shares how AT&T is helping to tackle the digital divide in communities all across the state. 

In our interview, Riley shared the spotlight with key partners from Inspiredu, The Atlanta Police Foundation, and @Promise. These partners describe how AT&T is utilizing its unique skills to close the digital divide and bring access, affordability, and adoption to thousands of Georgians. 

The Connectivity Imperative: Closing the Digital Divide  

Riley Blount: “While connectivity is essential in today’s digital world, some people do not have access to it, some cannot afford it, and some do not have the benefit of knowing how to use it. This is the digital divide, and at AT&T, we wake up every day with a mission to close it.”

Richard Hicks, Inspiredu: “AT&T is a good business partner for Inspiredu because they understand the need — the need to get people connected. They understand the digital divide at its core element. The digital divide continues to present challenges, but together, we now have solutions in place to close it in a way that is truly helpful. AT&T provides technology and training and has been vigilant about making sure that we can skill families across Georgia.”

Riley Blount: “To connect people to greater possibility, we focus on Access, Affordability, and Adoption. We are constantly growing our network to expand access, we offer a low-cost broadband option for qualifying households, and we provide free digital resources and training to spur adoption.”

Richard Hicks, Inspiredu: “Thank you, AT&T, for your commitment to the underserved learners of Georgia who are struggling and trying to get to that next level in their lives.” 

Access, Affordability, & Adoption: Investing in the Next Generation

Riley Blount: “Our AT&T Connected Learning Centers are community technology centers housed within local nonprofits. They provide learners of all ages with free internet access, computers, and digital resources. They are open to anyone with a dream.”

Lakeisha Walker, Atlanta Police Foundation: “AT&T has been very supportive of the work we do at the Atlanta Police Foundation and specifically the @Promise Youth Initiative. They are leveraging technology and educational resources to provide opportunities for the young people we serve. It is important for us to ensure that our young people feel seen, heard, and loved. The staff here are an extension of their family, making sure that they know they deserve success.

Khalil Jeffries, @Promise Center: “All the @Promise people, they take you and they make you feel like whatever you want to do, you could do. It’s like, whatever you say you want to be, whatever resources they can help you with, they’ll find it.”

Riley Blount: “Over the past two years, we have distributed over 10,000 laptops all across Georgia. To see a child’s face light up when they realize the laptop is theirs to keep—that’s the special reward of going beyond profit.”

Khalil Jeffries, @Promise Center: “AT&T, thank you for helping the @Promise centers to provide anything that the youth need to elevate their life. From education to career development, you have provided everything these young people need to reach for more.”

Riley Blount: “This award belongs to all of us. It’s our collective humanity that brings the AT&T values to life. Whether we are in the field, restoring the network after a storm, volunteering in the community to uplift a neighbor or innovating with new technologies, my colleagues and I are committed to connecting more Georgians to greater possibility.”