Esperanza is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization that provides free personalized tutoring, leadership and comprehensive after-school support to Hispanic students and families in Northeast Ohio. The center will provide Esperanza students and families with access to high-speed AT&T Fiber Internet and Wi-Fi. As part of its ongoing commitment to the digital inclusion of underserved communities, Dell Technologies will donate Dell OptiPlex computers and Dell monitors that have integrated audio and webcams to support virtual learning.
“This Connected Learning Center is an important and welcome addition to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood,” said Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb. “We saw how important digital connectivity was during the pandemic when kids needed to go online to learn. For adults, it’s how you look for a job or send out a resume. Members of our families can only take advantage of telemedicine if they are online and connected. This center brings that connectivity to more people in downtown Cleveland, and I thank Esperanza and AT&T for supporting this community.”
In addition, Overland-Tandberg, a leading global technology and IT services company, will provide on-site configuration of the computers. The black-owned company is part of AT&T’s $3 billion Supplier Diversity Initiative. Students and families will also have access to educational content from collaborative partners such as Khan Academy and mentoring support from AT&T employees.