3 Southern States Connected Communities Program
Building pathways to computer ownership, digital skills, and opportunity across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi
Digitunity and AT&T are collaborating to strengthen digital navigator services, expand computer ownership, and connect over 13,000 residents to digital skills training, computers, and resources. These states are positioned for a transformative leap with these resources. By expanding computer and digital skills access, we can help accelerate economic mobility, strengthen local talent pipelines, and support digital efforts that are already underway.
This initiative brings together the core components of digital opportunity: people, tools, and knowledge. Working alongside trusted local organizations, communities are building confidence and resilience with digital skills workshops paired with computer ownership initiatives for eligible participants.
Four Pillars of Impact
Empowering Digital Navigators
200 trained navigators will connect residents to computers, internet access resources, and digital skills training.
Delivering Computers to Families
More than 2,500 donated and refurbished computers will be distributed through trusted nonprofit organizations across the three states.
Expanding Digital Skills Training
10,500 individuals will participate in AT&T’s Connected Learning resources including ScreenReady ℠ and Public Library Association digital skills courses.
Strengthening Capacity
Building the capacity of trusted local partners through shared tools, training, and coordinated support so they can better serve residents.
Community + Capacity
The foundation of the project is local organizations that support residents every day. Building a sustainable digital opportunity initiative starts with strengthening the connective tissue of communities: the trusted local partners who understand needs of local residents and who can provide responsive, ongoing support.
Local Partnerships
Organizations and collaborative networks across three southern states are working together to expand computer ownership, access and opportunity in their communities.
Digital Navigator Support
Professional development training and support for staff and volunteers, plus a shared resource kit they can use in their daily work with residents seeking digital skills and connectivity.
Affordable Internet
Resources and information partners can share to help families with Access from AT&T, a low-cost internet option that reduces barriers to getting online.
Program Coordination
Support for supply management, preparation activities, and deployment logistics to ensure devices reach the people who need them most.
Computer Supply + Preparation
Next, we create clear, practical routes for computers to move from donors to communities. This tier focuses on building the infrastructure and processes that transform donated hardware into ready-to-use devices for families, students, and job seekers across the region
Hardware Pathways
A computer donation webpage serves as the central hub for device collection across the three-state area. This streamlined approach makes it easy for businesses, institutions, and individuals to donate equipment that directly benefits communities.
Behind the scenes, a robust support system manages hardware flow and deployment, ensuring devices are securely refurbished, tested, and delivered efficiently to partner organizations, which are ready to distribute them to residents.
Computer Collection
Regional donation website serving three states.
Preparation
Refurbishment and deployment support.
Distribution
Computer deployment and support
Community Outcomes
The ecosystem-building work leads to concrete benefits for community members in their daily lives. By strengthening the ecosystem that surrounds residents: local partners, navigators, supply pathways, and shared resources, families gain the tools and knowledge they need to participate fully in education, employment, healthcare, and civic life. These outcomes represent real change for individuals and lasting impact for communities.
Strengthening Community Capacity
This project strengthens community capacity by equipping state and local organizations with the tools, training, and resources needed to integrate digital support directly into their existing services. By activating trusted networks across sectors such as healthcare, education, and human services, the model creates a powerful multiplier effect that expands reach to new populations and accelerates adoption. It also leaves behind reusable tools and frameworks that organizations can to build a sustainable foundation for long-term digital inclusion across communities.
- Partnerships
- Awareness and tools
- Digitunity expert support and thought partnership
Digital Skills Development
Participants build practical technology skills through AT&T Connected Learning courses designed for beginners and those looking to advance their abilities. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning licenses are offered through local partner organizations, providing access to thousands of professional development courses.
- Self-paced learning modules
- Professional certificates
- Job-ready technical skills
Computer Ownership
Residents receive refurbished computers through Digitunity’s regional donation pathways, ensuring quality equipment reaches families who need it most.
- Quality refurbished computers
- No-cost distribution model
- Long-term asset building
The 3 Southern States Connected Communities Program is built on collaboration. As this work continues, Digitunity and AT&T will continue to support local organizations as they expand computer access, training, and opportunity. Collaborators, community leaders, and institutions interested in contributing devices, joining the network, or supporting digital skills initiatives are invited to connect with us and take part in this growing effort.
