For immediate release 1/7/25
For more information contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
Tel. (239) 337-0433 or Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org
Mary Chance 352-338-0250 or marychance@cfef.net
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Collaborates with AT&T to Bridge the Digital Divide for Florida’s Students
Fort Myers, Florida – Students in Lee County will benefit from a statewide investment by AT&T this year, an initiative that seeks to address the digital divide across Florida. This strategic effort, in collaboration with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) is focused on enhancing digital literacy and ensuring equitable access to technology for students, particularly in underserved communities.
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is one of nine education foundations statewide that was selected by the Consortium for a local initiative funded by AT&T.
AT&T’s support will fund the Bridging the Gap of the Digital Divide initiative, which aims to assist over 9,000 parents in Lee County with setting up FOCUS portals, School Messenger, and PeachJar accounts. The project also includes digital literacy workshops for middle and high school students, focusing on internet safety, responsible social media use, and essential digital skills. Starting in October 2024, the initiative will provide hands-on support at schools and community centers, with workshops and one-on-one sessions designed to help families navigate digital tools and ensure active engagement in their children’s academic progress. Priority Marketing will partner to deliver the workshops, addressing both students and families.
“Our collaboration with the Consortium over the past 14 years has been a journey of making tangible differences in the lives of Florida’s students,” commented Joe York, President of AT&T Florida. “This year, as we focus on addressing the digital divide, our goal is to not only connect students to technology but also empower them with the skills to navigate and succeed in a digital world.”
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About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations:
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of Florida’s local education foundations. Together, Consortium members raise more than $83 million annually for a variety of locally driven initiatives and are led by 1,200 board members, 80% of whom are local business and community leaders working in partnership with school district leaders. The Consortium manages the nation’s only 1:1 legislative match for education foundation initiatives and a variety of privately funded grant programs. To learn more about the Consortium or connect with any member local education foundation, visit https://educationfoundationsfl.org
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(c)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.