AT&T Supports Nonprofits in California to Advance Digital Equity

Aug 30, 2022

Read the original article at AttConnects.com

With access to speedy and reliable internet becoming more important than ever to California households, AT&T remains committed to advancing digital equity. To ensure that all Californians have access to high-quality internet, we are supporting communities and nonprofit organizations that help underserved residents overcome barriers to internet access.


From 2021-2022, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have donated more than $2 million to nonprofit organizations. These organizations provide innovative trainings, programs, resources and solutions to connect underserved communities. These donations will help provide access and internet skill development for both youth and adults and are directed to a variety of programs, including increasing K-12 student access to technology, homework support and academic tutoring. The financial support will also help build skills for adults and parents, provide computer access and assistance for community college students, digital literacy workshops for women experiencing homelessness and much more.


We are also making the best use of resources from the private and public sector to expand access to high-quality internet and bolster our network.


Connected Learning Centers: This year, AT&T is opening four new Connected Learning Centers across California. Each of these Connected Learning Centers provide internet access and computers inside community centers designed to help students get online to conduct distance learning and do their homework. The Connected Learning Centers are in underserved communities with the goal to encourage more students and families to get connected through free access to the internet.


Offering Free Internet: AT&T is proud to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households can sign-up for free internet service by combining the $30 a month benefit from ACP with our low-cost plan, Access from AT&T, which provides faster internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.


Working with Government, Community and Tribal Leaders: AT&T is committed to working with state, local and Tribal governments to boost access to affordable and reliable internet in their communities. By working together, we can combine the recent government resources available for broadband along with investment from the private sector to quickly close the digital divide in our California communities.


Expanding Access to Fiber: To meet the demands for reliable, high-speed connections today – and in the future – we are investing in our fiber network. We see fiber as an asset that can provide more educational opportunities, enhance and improve access to healthcare, and strengthen the ways the community can connect with one another. Independent reviews, including CNET, recently named AT&T the best fiber internet provider of 2022 based on speeds, terms and value. And, they’ve gone on to name AT&T Fiber as top ranked for customer satisfaction and best overall fiber internet provider in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.


AT&T is committed to advance digital equity across the state and will continue to invest in community programs and services that expand access to high-speed fiber internet to more Californians.


Boys & Girls CLubs of Metro Los Angeles 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament

Over $52,000 Fundraised during 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament

30 Apr, 2024
Los Angeles, CA (April 30, 2024) - In the heart of April, Hollywood Park Casino was abuzz with the spirited energy of the 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament: All in for the Kids. With over 60 avid participants and spectators, the event unfolded as a remarkable showcase of poker skill, all rallying behind a noble cause - funding vital youth programs. The generosity displayed transcended the gaming tables, as we collectively fundraised over $52,000 throughout the evening. "Each hand played at our tournament is a hand dealt towards brighter futures for the young people we serve," said Patrick Mahoney, CEO & President of BGCMLA. "Through the generous support of our participants, sponsors, and community members, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most." Thank you to everyone that played, donated, and supported us from afar! A round of applause is due to our Poker Tournament champions: Jasmine Ali, Jonnie Kedj , and Mark Silverman , who clinched victory amidst stiff competition. Each victor was given the choice of our prizes - the SpeedVegas Package, LA Rams Package, or LA Dodgers Package. We are also so grateful to our incredible volunteers, Daria Hall , Luke Schlake , and Damien Tuffereau ! Their flexibility, quick thinking, and organization made our event a streamlined success. Together, we pulled off an fruitful event that shows just how dedicated our community is to supporting and empowering the next generation.

Empowering Youth Through Music with Sony Music & Notes for Notes

09 Apr, 2024
Febuary 1 , 2024 (Watts, CA) - As we commemorate our one year anniversary with Sony Music Group's Beyond The Instrument initiative and Notes for Notes, we are thrilled to once again swing open the doors of our recording studio at Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club. This collaborative effort, established in 2023, continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for club members eager to nurture their musical talents and aspirations. At the heart of this initiative lies a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation of music creators. Through a year-round program, students are granted free access to musical instruments, instruction, and state-of-the-art recording equipment. This holistic approach empowers them to develop not only as artists but also as producers, engineers, and composers for film and TV. As part of our annual program, leading up to the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, we invited Sony Music Group artists, songwriters, producers, and composers to the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. Here, they engaged with students, sharing insights and experiences while marveling at the diverse array of projects spanning podcasting, rock bands, film scoring, production, and songwriting. 

Genesis C.: The Rose that Grew from Concrete

01 Mar, 2024
Genesis, a resilient young woman who has faced numerous challenges since childhood, continues to inspire with her determination and accomplishments. Raised in a single-mother household with limited income, she endured not only financial hardship but also the trauma of physical abuse. However, her story took a turn for the better when she found refuge and support at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) in the Watts/Willowbrook community. Through BGCMLA, Genesis found opportunities to enrich her education, advocate for herself and her community, and contribute positively to society. Engaging in programs like College Bound, Power Hour, Keystone, and the Social Justice Club, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and activism. Genesis became a vocal advocate for environmental justice, using platforms like podcasts and surveys to raise awareness and effect change.

Ross Dress for Less® to Help Local Kids Thrive in Los Angeles

08 Feb, 2024
10th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

BGCMLA Receives $25,000 Grant from Kohl’s National Giveback Initiative

29 Nov, 2023
Los Angeles, November 28, 2023 — During Giving Tuesday, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles received a $25,000 grant toward our mission of creating safe spaces for youth to learn, explore, achieve, and dream! Kohl’s grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles was made through the company’s National Giveback Initiative, which provides associates with the opportunity to nominate a nonprofit they’re passionate about for a $25,000 grant. Through the initiative, Kohl’s will donate grants to selected nonprofits nationwide, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to family health and wellness. The full list of selected grant recipients is available on Corporate.Kohls.com. Donations are made possible through the Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good merchandise program, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations across the country. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) was formed in 2015 with a deep history of impact across the metro Los Angeles area. In 2023, two of the county’s most enduring clubs— BGCMLA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice – joined together to deepen our collective impact. As community staples since the sixties, BGCMLA now consists of seven locations, uplifting and servicing communities such as Challengers in South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Watts-Willowbrook, and Venice, as well as school sites. Staffed by caring and committed professional adult mentors, the clubs offer proven programs to bolster academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit our website at www.bgcmla.org.

The Comeback Court Comes to Challengers Boys & Girls Club

19 Nov, 2023
LOS ANGELES, Nov 19. 2023 -- The Challengers Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles recently celebrated the opening of their fifth Comebaq Court in partnership with the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation and Icy Hot. This collaboration aims to inspire young athletes and provide safe and accessible spaces for children in underserved communities. With the support of the Lakers Youth Foundation, the new Comebaq Court offers Club members an upgraded basketball space to enhance their skills and enjoy their favorite sport. Shaquille O'Neal, a Boys & Girls Club alumni and legendary basketball player, has always recognized the importance of restoring basketball courts and crea ting safe places for children to play. "Restoring basketball courts and creating safe places for kids to play has always been important to me," Shaquille O'Neal said. "I was a kid at the Boys & Girls Club once, and the community supported me beyond just sports. I'm thrilled to celebrate the opening of this Comebaq Court at Challengers Boys & Girls Club for our kids to enjoy, as we ensure the next generation has access to safe places like these to follow their dreams."
photo of SNL alumni performers and Andrew Whitworth

Stronger Together 2023 Gala Fundraises Over $682,000 for Youth Programs

23 Oct, 2023
October 21, 2023 (Los Angeles) - A gathering of philanthropists, business and entertainment community leaders, local dignitaries, and supporters occurred at Vibiana in Los Angeles. The occasion was the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles’ (BGCMLA) Stronger Together Annual Gala, which raised over $682,000 to support academic and enrichment programs for BGCMLA youth across Greater Los Angeles.

BGCMLA Awarded Panda Cares Grant to Boost Youth Academic Success

25 Sep, 2023
September 25, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) - Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) has been selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to receive $60,000 in funding to drive academic success for youth. This grant will be used to support in-person academic programming through Project Learn at the Club's sites and to sustain the Clubs' Panda Cares Center of Hope.
BGC representatives holding check for $24 million

BGCMLA Announces $780,000 Gift from Ballmer Group

21 Jul, 2023
Grant is part of significant $24 million investment in Boys & Girls Clubs in LA County

Poker Players Raise Over $45k for Local Youth

25 Jun, 2023
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) hosted their 13th Annual Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, June 24th at the Motoring Club Los Angeles. The event, which featured a no-limit Texas hold'em tournament, raised over $45,000 for BGCMLA's youth development programs. Over 60 poker players and spectators participated in the tournament, which was won by Norbi N ., Leslie B ., and Michelle S . The winners each chose a prize from a selection of donated items, including a driving experience for two at Speed Vegas, round-trip charter tickets for two with Surf Air, and LA Rams tickets for two with an autographed jersey from Aaron Donald. A raffle was also held at the event, with the winner, TJ D., taking home two magnums of wine and four wine tastings courtesy of Austin Hope Winery in Paso Robles. The generosity of the tournament's attendees helped BGCMLA raise much-needed funds for its youth development programs. These programs provide life-changing opportunities for Los Angeles youth, such as ongoing access to academic enrichment programs, social-emotional wellness support, opportunities to develop leadership skills, and maintaining safe and supportive environments for kids and teens to learn, explore, achieve, and dream. BGCMLA is grateful to all of the sponsors and attendees who made the 13th Annual Charity Poker Tournament a success. The organization is committed to providing high-quality youth development programs to the children and teens of Metro Los Angeles, and the funds raised from this event will help make that possible.
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