-- Gia Duarte
Gia Duarte’s journey with AT&T’s Connected Learning Centers (CLC) at the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF) in Los Angeles is a powerful example of how access to technology makes a real difference. At home, Gia struggled with limited and unreliable technology, which made it hard for her to research colleges and complete applications. Then she discovered the CLC—a reliable space where she could focus, get the resources she needed, and plan confidently for her future.
With the support of the CLC, Gia overcame many obstacles that might have otherwise stood in her way. Her hard work paid off when she was accepted into several prestigious universities, ultimately choosing to attend the University of California, Berkeley.
But Gia’s story doesn’t stop there. Inspired by the opportunities the CLC gave her, she invited classmates to join her at the center, encouraging them to pursue their academic goals. Later, as a SALEF intern, Gia gave back to her community by helping others with digital literacy and citizenship tasks.
Gia’s experience shows how access to technology can empower individuals—not just to succeed themselves, but to lift others up as well. Gia’s story truly shines as an example of how AT&T’s Connected Learning Centers create lasting, meaningful change and open doors to brighter futures.
Gia’s story is just one example of how AT&T is connecting people to greater possibilities through our $5 billion commitment to connect 25 million people by 2030. Find out more about our commitment here.
Meet James, a senior from St. Louis and member of the Urban League. Recently, he joined a series of courses powered by AT&T’s digital literacy resources. In his 70s and preparing to re-enter the workforce, James is building his confidence and skills in technology, email, internet use, and more- key tools for success in today’s job market.
Read Full StoryApril, a Dallas native and mom of two, was experiencing job loss and uncertain housing. Then, her path to earning a degree took a turn for the better thanks to AT&T and the United Way’s Digital Bridges program. Through the program, April received a laptop, which helped her stay connected, manage her online classes, and keep working toward her goals without missing a beat.
Read Full StoryEthan, a passionate student and musician from South Texas, draws inspiration from his grandmother’s bolero singing and his Latin American roots. Active in bilingual and church choirs, he uses music to celebrate and share his culture. Growing up with limited technology—often sharing a laptop with his mom or relying on school computers—Ethan faced challenges applying to college and searching for scholarships, frequently using his smartphone for these tasks.
Read Full StoryCarol Quintero, a lifelong Miami resident and mother of two, built her career in beauty consulting and retail management—fields where her warmth and face-to-face connection were her greatest assets. For over 20 years, computers were optional in her world. But when Carol put her career on pause to care for her ailing mother, she found herself facing a new set of challenges—ones that required digital skills she never thought she’d need.
Read Full Story