AT&T and LULAC Empower Low-Income Hispanic Communities with Technology

San Antonio - The AT&T Foundation — the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) — and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) have unveiled 32 locations that will house new community technology centers in low-income Hispanic communities through LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative. The centers, which are planned to be operational by the end of May, are being supported by a $1.5 million grant that builds upon the success of the AT&T Foundation’s $1 million grant to LULAC in 2004.

"In addition to creating 32 new technology centers, the funds will also enable us to maintain 23 current locations established under the previous grant" said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. "More than 55,000 Latinos received access and instruction on computer technology through AT&T’s support in 2004, and we expect this new grant to more than double the number of people we can help"

The grant to LULAC is a part of AT&T AccessAll, a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access to underserved communities. It will provide each new facility with computer equipment, personnel support, high-speed Internet service and videoconferencing. Eight of the new centers will be housed in LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), and 24 will be implemented at non-LNESC locations.

Clients served by the community technology centers are low-income and/or first-generation Hispanic-American youth and adults. While a higher percentage of Hispanics are employed compared with any other ethnic group (64 percent employment rate versus 63 percent for the next highest, Current Population Survey, April 2006), Hispanics are far more likely than the average American to be among the working poor. In addition, according to a new study by Pew Hispanic Center, 53 percent of Hispanics who are not online say this is because they do not have access. Empower Hispanic America with Technology is aimed at combating these inequities by giving Hispanics the necessary skills, and access, to compete in today’s technology-driven workplaces.

"In today’s digital world, the impact of connecting underserved communities with technology resources is immeasurable as we look at economic mobility" said Sonya Medina, director of the AT&T Foundation. "Our support for the Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative reflects AT&T’s commitment to strengthening education and community development opportunities through technology"

The LULAC-affiliated centers provide access to and instruction on modern computer technology in addition to assistance with résumés, college application preparation, GED preparation, financial aid research, and online citizenship services and job-search programs. Program participants use high-speed Internet access, computer equipment and basic office applications software to develop job skills, research career options, educational opportunities and other resources.

AT&T’s signature AccessAll initiative is a landmark three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative that connects families and communities with technology tools that can improve lives. The program will provide technology access, tools and training to low-income families, underserved communities and the organizations that work to strengthen communities.