Douglas Jobs students receive laptop donation

Jobs for Nevada Graduates students at Douglas High School received 25 refurbished laptops and backpacks with school supplies on Monday morning.

But while the laptops and backpacks were the reason for the gathering coordinated with AT&T and Human-I-T, it was also an opportunity for the 14 students to hear about work in the real world.

AT&T Director of External Affairs Bryant Milesi told the students that there are many pathways they can take.

“It’s not just a straight line, it’s back and forth, up and down,” Melesi said. “Once you graduate from high school, it’s kind of exploring.”

JAG Nevada State Program Director Francisco Rivero told the students that it was important for students to be connected to be successful.

“This donation from AT&T and Human-I-T to students enrolled in our programs makes a big impact to their future success,” he said. “We work closely with our students in ensuring their success and when the community supports them, it shows that there really are people who care and want them to succeed. We are very grateful for the contribution and support from AT&T.”

Douglas was one of a half-dozen Western Nevada schools to receive the donation of 150 laptops and backpacks on Monday.

“This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops and backpacks as they head back to school,” according to the company. “In addition to supplies like notebooks, pencils and headphones, the backpacks included cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees.”

 In Nevada, it’s estimated that 9 percent of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.

“This is in an initiative that we are excited to be part of and supporting the great work that JAG Nevada is doing for students throughout the state,” said AT&T California and Nevada President Mark Blakeman. “With every laptop we care getting closer to decreasing the digital equity gap right here at home. Connectivity is vital for continued success for our youth, and we are thrilled to provide this valuable resource.”