Working to Bridge the Digital Divide: Sen. Kelly, AT&T Present Grant to Sterling House Community Center

STRATFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) joined AT&T Connecticut for a ceremonial presentation of a $10,000 grant to the Sterling House Community Center to support digital learning experiences and online safety guidance and education for youth during Sterling House’s after school and summer day camp programs.

Earlier this year, when representatives from AT&T reached out to Sen. Kelly looking to identify a community program focused on helping young people with limited internet access and working to narrow the achievement gap, Senator Kelly pointed them to Sterling House.

“Sterling House does incredible work for our community including running multiple programs to support young people,” said Senator Kevin Kelly. “During the pandemic, the digital divide was catapulted to the forefront as children with no and limited internet access were put at an even greater disadvantage to their peers when school went virtual. Sterling House has helped many families through the pandemic and recovery, and the center’s after school and summer day camp programming specifically has focused on giving young people the foundation to future opportunity. I thank AT&T for this generous grant to help bridge the digital divide, keep our children safe online, and narrow the homework gap.”

“Many thanks to AT&T for funding this incredibly relevant new programming, Digital Citizenship, for our teens,” said Amanda Meeson, Executive Director of Sterling House. “We have been exploring online safety in addition to the impact of their social interactions and identity as they become active, responsible citizens. Through our work with our teens, we have a deeper understanding of the critical importance of this program.”

“Every student deserves an opportunity to make their dreams a reality. At AT&T, we are proud to support initiatives like those at Sterling House that are helping to do just that. The community center is increasing access to remote learning tools, all while providing a safe, healthy and fun environment for kids to grow and develop into the leaders of tomorrow,” said John Emra, President, AT&T New England.

More information about Sterling House can be found at: https://www.sterlinghousecc.org/

Senator Kevin Kelly serves as Senate Republican Leader and represents the 21^st Senate District including Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford. More information at senatorkevinkelly.com.