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AT&T, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Human-I-T provided Youth Alliance 200 laptops to distribute to Hollister and Gilroy residents in need. The distribution took place March 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Youth Alliance’s office on Fourth Street in Hollister.
“Monterey Peninsula Foundation is very proud to continue our longstanding support of Youth Alliance and their impactful work that empowers young people to create positive change in their communities,” said Steve John, Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO.
According to a news release, In Hollister and Gilroy, it’s estimated that more than 20% of K-12 students don’t have digital basics at home, including access to the internet or computers needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide. It adds that on a national scale, one in five households lack connection to the internet, and 35% of Americans don’t have the digital literacy skills needed to navigate the online world.
“Empowering young minds through technology is not just an opportunity, but a necessity in today’s world. At Youth Alliance, we strongly believe and advocate for strategies to bridge the digital divide in our community’s youth,” said Youth Alliance CEO Diane Ortiz. “We believe that digital literacy is key in nurturing our young people to engage, grow, transform, and lead. This access serves as a gateway to endless possibilities, fostering creativity, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
Abraham and Andres Rodriguez, representative for Assembly member Robert Rivas. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Aiden Monica and Eduardo Navarro. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Laptop distribution event by Youth Alliance. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Laptop distribution event by Youth Alliance. Photo by Adam Bell. 
From left: Eduardo Navarro, Diane Ortiz, Nancy Eterline, Ambry Capistrano, Paulina Sanchez and Rene Casas. Photo by Adam Bell.
According to the news release, access to technology is at the forefront of Youth Alliance’s initiatives and through its Youth Impact Centers, after school services and youth empowerment programs, the nonprofit continues to provide critical youth support services and equipment needed for homework, tutoring and career development.
“These laptops are crucial to bringing technology access to rural and underserved communities and the youth that reside within,” the news release states.
It adds this effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close the digital equity gap in Hollister and Gilroy. Many students in Hollister and Gilroy lack the devices needed for digital learning,” said Bettye Saxon, External Affairs with AT&T California. “Access to connectivity is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”
“This initiative is more than just giving out technology; it’s about creating equal opportunities for education and success for students and families in Hollister and the Monterey Bay Area,” said Gabe Middleton, Human-I-T CEO. “Our collective action is a step towards a brighter future, demonstrating the impactful change we can achieve together. In an age where digital access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, ensuring every student has the tools to learn and grow online is critical.”
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