More than 30 students from schools in Selma and throughout Dallas County have laptops thanks to a partnership between AT&T, Human I-T, and the Black Belt Community Foundation.

Earlier this week, seventy-five refurbished laptops were given to Selma students and families as part of AT&T’s three-year commitment to help bridge the digital divide. The laptops were funded by the telecommunication company’s donation to the nonprofit tech company Human I-T. AT&T is working with Human I-T and the Black Belt Community Foundation to provide individuals and families with laptops and digital literacy resources, according to a press release.

The effort falls under the AT&T Connected Learning Initiative, a program developed to help address the digital divide through “internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.”

The three organizations distributed the laptops during a presentation on Aug. 16 with remarks from officials and community leaders, including Felecia Lucky, president of the Black Belt Community Foundation; Selma Mayor James Perkins; Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma; Anthony Sampson, the superintendent of Dallas County Schools; and Cleo Washington, the vice president of External Affairs for AT&T Alabama.

Washington said the laptops are loaded with resources to help families and students develop new digital skills, reports the Selma Sun. Students will be able to access special educational online resources and AT&T also installed a program “that will help drive down the cost of home internet.”

Founded in 2004, the Black Belt Community Foundation supports the 12 counties in the Black Belt by providing resources and programming in the arts, community and economic development, education, and health and wellness.

“At the Black Belt Community Foundation, our mission is to move our region forward by providing resources that make a lasting impact for our residents,” said Lucky, according to a press release. “Access to technology and connectivity is essential in today’s world, and these laptops are a gamechanger in how these students and families are able to participate in virtual learning, develop new skills and access healthcare.”

“By investing in our students, AT&T, Human I-T and the Black Belt Community Foundation are bridging the digital gap to ensure students have access to the technology needed to succeed in school and beyond,” said Perkins. “Selma’s future depends heavily on the advancement of our students. We are very thankful for this great opportunity.”

“Closing the digital divide is a top priority in the Black Belt region,” said Stewart. “This collaboration with AT&T and the Black Belt Community Foundation is helping remove barriers and ensuring equitable solutions for Selma residents.”