WICHITA, KAN. — Following AT&T’s $2 Billion, 3-Year commitment to help bridge the digital divide, we are proud to announce that AT&T Foundation has made a $24,000 grant to Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
Goodwill Industries of Kansas will use the grant to help support the Learn IT Digital Skills Program. The Learn IT Lab is a mobile classroom comprised of computers, and online resources to assist participants in enhancing their digital literacy skills and earning certifications.
At AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, we recognize that broadband connectivity is vital to educational and economic opportunities. And this donation will give Kansas residents access to educational resources to help build digital literacy skills.
“Part of our mission is to help our community – particularly those facing barriers to employment. The Learn IT Lab as part of our Digital Skills Program does that by providing an accessible approach while also equipping people with necessary skills needed for today’s job market,” said President & CEO Laura Ritterbush.
Digital Skills participants will also have the opportunity to:
“AT&T and the AT&T Foundation are excited to invest in the Learn IT Digital Skills Program and collaborate with other community partners in Kansas to enhance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide,” said Molly Kocour Boyle, president, AT&T Kansas.”
Digital literacy skills for adults are important for the job growth in Kansas. A recent report found that nationwide, unemployment rates in the tech industry have consistently been lower than the overall national job rate.1 Equipping adult learners with digital skills to find work in the tech industry is not only helpful to the economy, but also more equitable for learners without traditional 4-year degrees. A study found tech employers are more likely to hire adults without 4-year degrees.2
Learn more about Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc. here.
1 CompTIA Tech Jobs Report. Find report here.
2 CompTIA Closing the Data Skills Gap
About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division.
In addition, adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. More than 1,400 individuals receive services through Goodwill each year. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks. For more information about Goodwill, visit goodwillks.org.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to bridge the digital divide and narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
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