GIBSLAND, LA. – In a hands‑on effort to close the digital divide, AT&T, Human IT and the Gibsland Coalition for Community Enhancement handed out 50 refurbished laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies to students and families at Gibsland‑Coleman High School on Friday.
Local families receive technology they can keep
The laptops were distributed directly to students, who will keep the devices for home use. State Representative Rashid Young praised the donation, saying, “A laptop can open the door to education, job opportunities and essential online services that many of us use every day. By working together we’re helping more families gain the tools they need to succeed in today’s connected world.”
Titus Walker, president of the Gibsland Coalition for Community Enhancement, added, “Strong communities are built by investing in people. Providing access to technology is an investment that helps students learn, adults build new skills and families stay connected to opportunities. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and for their commitment to Gibsland.”
AT&T’s broader digital‑access initiative
Levar Greenhouse, regional director of external & legislative affairs for AT&T Louisiana, noted that the giveaway is part of a larger employee‑driven program to distribute 30,000 laptops to qualifying households across the state. “Connectivity is vital for students, and we’re glad we can provide these resources to those who need them most,” Greenhouse said.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions of Americans still lack reliable internet or devices needed for full participation in the digital economy. AT&T’s release highlighted that many who do have access also lack the digital skills to leverage online opportunities for health, education, and economic advancement. By pairing device distribution with hands‑on training, the company and its partners aim to address both barriers simultaneously.
Community response and next steps
Parents and teachers at Gibsland‑Coleman expressed optimism that the new laptops will improve homework completion, remote‑learning readiness and job‑search capabilities for older students. The coalition plans to host follow‑up workshops on basic computer skills, online safety and using digital tools for career development.
Local officials see the donation as a model for future collaborations between private‑sector partners and community groups. “When businesses invest in our youth, we strengthen the entire town,” said Mayor [Name Redacted], who was not present at the event but praised the partnership.
The effort underscores a growing trend of corporate‑led philanthropy focused on bridging technology gaps in rural America, where broadband infrastructure and device ownership often lag behind urban areas. As more companies adopt similar programs, Gibsland hopes to serve as a blueprint for other small towns seeking to empower their next generation.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
