Bridging the Digital Divide: HJTEP Hosts a Laptop Giveaway

When HJTEP was selected by AT&T and NYC:Tech as the recipient and host organization to distribute the first 200 laptops in a broader initiative providing 1,000 laptops to New York City youth, we were thrilled to share this important investment with the Harlem community. Through AT&T’s commitment to expanding digital access, these laptops will give young people an essential tool to support their education and skills.

Building on the program's summer classroom partnership with Abyssinian Baptist Church, the HJTEP staff was grateful to host the event at the beautiful Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Center and to include young people from the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation and Abyssinian’s congregation, along with HJTEP’s youth to be among the first 200 recipients. As excited families lined up outside, they were greeted by AT&T’s public safety robotic dog, which was a fun way to kick-off doors opening.

HJTEP Executive Director Katrina Adams joined leaders from Abyssinian Baptist Church, AT&T President John Emra, NYC:Tech President & CEO, Julie Samuels, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Councilmember Yusef Salaam, and Assemblymember and HJTEP alumnus Jordan Wright with remarks to welcome families and highlight the importance of technology for accessing educational opportunities. The afternoon ended with every child receiving their new laptop.

We are deeply grateful to AT&T and Tech:NYC for choosing HJTEP’s youth to kick off their important initiative. Our sincere thanks, as well, to our local elected officials and the staff at Abyssinian Baptist Church for supporting HJTEP in this exciting endeavor.