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Lifelong learner: Ms. Gales' digital journey. Ms. Brenda Gales spent decades teaching kindergartners how to learn. In retirement, she found that she was now the learner as the digital world continuously moves ahead. Laptops, unfamiliar interfaces, complex software: she manages her iPhone well, but other technologies started feeling out of reach. When a former classmate from high school told her about the Connected Learning digital literacy workshops offered by Canopy Children's Solutions in collaboration with Digitunity and AT&T, Ms. Gales didn't hesitate to sign up. Rediscovering confidence. Walking into the digital skills workshops held at Canopy Children's Solutions, Ms. Gales learned about more than just technology; she found a community. Though she admits she prefers the click of a physical mouse over modern trackpads, ("I work fast," she says), learning updated technology went smoother than expected. The workshops helped her connect her existing skills with new tools. Her learning highlights include: * Mastering Zoom: As the president of her high school class of 1978, Ms. Gales can now set up and lead virtual meetings for her school's alumni and keep her social and professional circles connected. * Creative exploration: She downloads music, organizes photos, and searches recipes to fuel her passion for cooking. * Staying informed: Her laptop gives her access to national news beyond the local cycle. * Health management: She prints health records before appointments so her doctors have exactly what they need. From participant to "digital navigator" The impact of the program went beyond software and technology. For Ms. Gales, the workshops allow her to participate in community life. "[The digital skills workshops] give me something to do...to come and meet other people," Ms. Gales shared. "If somebody couldn't do something, then the next person would help. We were all helping each other." - Ms. Brenda Gales Her instinct to teach was reignited when Ms. Gales found herself helping younger participants who needed assistance in the workshops. Her enthusiasm was so infectious that the program coordinators and facilitators invited her back, not as a student, but as a volunteer and potential part-time teacher. When asked how confident she would feel teaching a neighbor what she learned, Ms. Gales' answer was immediate: "100%." Thanks to the laptop she received through the program and the skills she has learned, she is no longer just a retired teacher; she is a "digital navigator" for her community. She is proof that with the right tools and a supportive environment, the spirit of education is a lifelong journey that always has room for a new chapter. "The environment is real. It's a great environment." - Ms. Brenda Gales This story is part of the 3 Southern States Connected Communities Program, a collaboration between Digitunity and AT&T designed to increase computer ownership and digital skills across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In Mississippi, Canopy Children's Solutions participates in the program by helping residents access refurbished computers, digital skills training, and one-on-one support from trained digital navigators. Canopy Children's Solutions provides behavioral health, educational, and family support solutions for children and families. Through this program, Canopy is helping more Mississippi residents use technology for education, employment, health, and daily life. About digitunity. Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization making computer ownership possible for everyone. For more than 40 years, Digitunity has worked to close the digital divide in the United States by shaping and strengthening systems that make computer ownership possible. Digitunity sources and places computers with a network of over 1,600 community-based organizations, supports digital skills programs, and provides strategic advisory services to states and cities. With 1 in 7 U.S. households lacking a computer at home, this national-local approach mobilizes resources, influences policy, and builds durable solutions that expand opportunity, participation, and economic mobility. Learn more at digitunity.org. About philanthropy at AT&T. At AT&T, its corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. Digitunity is 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, Digitunity has supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, Digitunity has committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Its efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and un- or underemployed individuals, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.

AT&T and Fanatics announce strategic five-year partnership, with AT&T named the "Official Connectivity Provider of the Fan" Today, world-class connectivity company AT&T and global sports platform Fanatics announced an exclusive multi-year partnership, naming AT&T the "Official Connectivity Provider of the Fan." Through this wide-ranging partnership, AT&T and Fanatics will combine their respective strengths to deliver new value for fans nationwide, unlocking special benefits for AT&T customers by tapping into Fanatics' expansive reach and cultural relevance. The Fanatics ecosystem is comprised of more than 100 million fans and relationships with more than 5,000 athletes and celebrities, creating one of the largest relationship hubs in sports. Fanatics will leverage AT&T's fast, reliable network and enterprise expertise to extend its ability to deliver immersive, technology-forward experiences for sports fans across its platform nationwide. Powered by America's largest wireless network[1] and the nation's best and fastest home internet[2], AT&T will help deliver those moments to fans wherever they are. In turn, AT&T customers will gain access to exclusive Fanatics experiences, rewards and opportunities. The partnership creates new opportunities for both brands to deepen engagement and redefine how fans connect, while delivering added value for eligible AT&T customers. Highlights of the partnership include: * Fanatics Fest NYC: AT&T will serve as an Official Partner of Fanatics Fest NYC, the World's #1 Fan Festival, which is returning to the Javits Center in July to bring together hundreds of athletes and celebrities, top leagues, leading sports brands, and a vibrant community of trading-card dealers to unite the best of the sports world under one roof. * Elevated Loyalty Experiences: AT&T customers will get enhanced status with Fanatics ONE, Fanatics' enterprise-wide loyalty program that offers a unique selection of rewards, access to experiences and unforgettable events, and more. AT&T customers will also have additional opportunities to earn FanCash, the currency of sport which is redeemable across the Fanatics ecosystem. * Media and Premium Sports Content: AT&T will deliver targeted category exclusive messaging across the Fanatics platform and integrate its brand throughout the company's expanding content & media portfolio. * Enhanced Fan Moments: Fanatics and AT&T will host watch parties during premier sporting events, bringing together fans who live outside their teams' home markets for shared viewing experiences across the country. "Today, the primary screen for so many fans is the one in their hands. That's why bringing AT&T and Fanatics together is a natural fit," said Erin Scarborough, senior vice president, Revenue Management & Commercialization, AT&T. "Sports have always been about connection, and Fanatics is a powerful partner because they understand the modern sports fan. By pairing their insights with our connectivity expertise, we can bring people closer to what they love and deliver meaningful value for both brands." "At Fanatics, everything we do starts with the fan," said Tucker Kain, chief strategy officer, Fanatics. "AT&T shares our belief in the power of connection, bringing fans closer to the teams, athletes, and sports moments they're passionate about, and to each other. This partnership provides an important avenue to help us deliver exclusive access, meaningful rewards and unforgettable moments to more fans." Additional elements of the Fanatics and AT&T partnership will explore opportunities across retail integration, co-branded offerings, and enterprise collaboration. More information on how AT&T customers can access and redeem benefits, and when specific elements will be available, will be shared as the program comes to life. [1] Compares cellular networks, excluding satellite. [2] Best & Fastest Internet, AT&T Fiber: based on analysis by Ookla(R) of Speedtest Intelligence(R) data, 2H 2025. I am the owner of Cerebral-overload.com and the Verizon Wireless Reviewer for Techburgh.com. My love of gadgets came from his lack of a Nintendo Game Boy when he was a child. I vowed from that day on to get his hands on as many tech products as possible. My approach to a review is to make it informative for the technofile while still making it understandable to everyone. Ben is a new voice in the tech industry and is looking to make a mark wherever he goes. When not reviewing products, I is also a 911 Telecommunicator just outside of Pittsburgh PA. Twitter: @gizmoboaks Loading...