Calvin University has received a $50,000 contribution from AT&T to purchase devices to close the digital divide among students.
The Michigan-based university said the devices will support the school’s Wayfinder Program. The Wayfinder Program supports Grand Rapids-area adults facing social or economic barriers to higher education. Nearly 90 percent of applicants to the program said they lacked the necessary technology for the program. A similar percentage also expressed concerns with their digital literacy skills.
“Today, we are thrilled to announce a partnership that addresses these gaps and paves the road to success,” said Greg Elzinga, president of Calvin University, during an event celebrating the partnership. “Thanks to a $50,000 contribution from AT&T we are taking a major step forward to bridging that digital divide that so often limits higher education.”
The funds are being used to purchase laptops and educational software for students and to provide essential digital literacy support for all Wayfinder students.
“The Wayfinder program will open new doors of opportunities for adults in need in Grand Rapids and we are very proud to support the Wayfinder Program with our $50,000 AT&T contribution,” said Tim Weststrate, director of external affairs for AT&T Michigan. “Because we know that when we connect people to the internet, we are connecting them to greater possibilities.”
