AT&T, HUMAN-I-T provide 100 laptops and backpacks to CSUSB students

When many hear the phrase, “basic needs,” they often think of food or housing. While those are essential, just as important – especially for students – is access to technology, said Angie Gordon, director of Basic Needs and Student Support at Cal State San Bernardino.

During a brief presentation on the university’s Coyote Walk, AT&T* and HUMAN-I-T helped meet that access to technology, formally donating to CSUSB 100 refurbished laptops and backpacks with school supplies to distribute to students in need. Nine students were on hand to receive them on July 30, with the remainder to be made available through Basic Needs and Student Support.

“Student success begins with access to the tools and resources needed to thrive,” said Tomás D. Morales, president of California State University, San Bernardino. “Partnerships like this one with AT&T and HUMAN-I-T help ensure more students have the technology they need to participate fully in their education. Together, we're expanding opportunity for families throughout the Inland Empire.”

Gordon said many students who are eligible to receive the free laptops often try to “complete class assignments, write papers, access to complete assignments, write papers, or access Canvas using only their cell phones because they don't have a reliable laptop of their own. While they're incredibly resourceful, we know that's not how students should have to pursue their college education. 

“A reliable laptop isn't just another school supply,” she said. “It's how students complete coursework, connect with faculty, access campus resources, apply for internships and scholarships, and stay engaged in their education. Without one, even the most dedicated students can find themselves at a disadvantage. That's why today's event is so meaningful to us. These laptops and backpacks represent way more than supplies. They represent an opportunity. They help remove barriers for our students so that they can focus on learning, achieving their goals, and building their futures.”

Echoing Morales’ statement on the importance of partnerships, Marissa Yeager, CSUSB associate vice president of the Office of Government, Tribal & Community Relations, said universities, businesses, non-profit organizations and communities working together create opportunities for lasting impact for students.

“Today's donation is a wonderful example of that collaboration. Every laptop, every backpack being distributed today represents an investment in a student's potential,” Yeager said. “It provides the tools students need to participate fully in their education and helps ensure that technology is not a barrier to achieving their goals. We're grateful to AT&T and Human-I-T for their generosity and for their commitment to expanding access to technology for students in our communities. We appreciate your partnership and your shared belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed here at Cal State San Bernardino.”

This event is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and distribute backpacks filled with school supplies and laptops to students in qualifying households before they head back to school. The backpacks included supplies like notebooks, pencils, and headphones, as well as cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees. AT&T will distribute 30,000 laptops to communities nationwide in 2026.

“Back-to-school success today depends on more than notebooks and pencils. It requires reliable access to technology and the internet,” said Carmen Shoemaker, manager of External Affairs for AT&T. "All students deserve the opportunity to learn, connect and build the skills that shape their future. We're proud to work alongside HUMAN-I-T and CSU San Bernardino to help more students start the year connected, confident and ready to succeed.”

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.

This effort is part of AT&T’s initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing nearly 36,000 computers to students, their families and older adults across California since 2021.

“That investment is part of our long-term commitment to helping keep California a leader in innovation and opportunity,” Shoemaker said. “But we know this work doesn't happen alone. Closing the digital divide takes all of us – community organizations, educators, public leaders and partners working together. That's why today's so meaningful. Together with these community organizations and everyone here today, we're helping more Californians gain the tools and confidence they need they need to succeed in today's digital world.”

About Philanthropy at AT&T  
At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting communities, including students, older adults, and un- or underemployed individuals, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.