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Today, ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program announced the distribution of eighteen computers to two Challenge Houses that provide community outreach to Hopkinsville’s inner-city neighborhoods.  This donation was made possible by a donation from AT&T for computers and technology upgrades to local non-profit agencies that provide after-school programs and services to students in Kentucky.

"This is great for the children in the inner-city to be able to have the technological resources that our other children and adults use daily,” said State Senator Joey Pendleton (D-Christian County).  “It is a great day for Hopkinsville. Santa Claus has come early. I applaud the AT&T Foundation and ConnectKentucky for giving back to the community and to our children of the Commonwealth."

The donation will be made as part of a $150,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation over two years, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc.  AT&T’s partnership with Computers 4 Kids is designed to deliver computers to charities that support and deliver services to disadvantaged children and their families after school hours across the country.  The partnership is committed to building common understanding about the importance and relevance of technology, enhancing excellence in underprivileged populations, enabling individuals to improve their lives through technological exposure all while reinforcing their commitment to education and society.

“AT&T's mission is to connect people to their world, everywhere they live and work,” according to Sim Davenport, AT&T’s regional manager for external affairs.  “I can't think of a better example of what this means than helping to provide computers and Internet access to neighborhood children and adults seeking to further their education.”

“This is huge for our two Challenge Houses especially for the children and adults who frequent Challenge Houses for after school tutoring, research projects, GED classes and job readiness classes,” Wally Bryan, the inspiration behind Hopkinsville’s Challenge Houses.

Challenge Houses are significantly renovated houses located in the older neighborhoods of Hopkinsville. They are single family residences; the occupants focus on building relationships with the adults and children of the neighborhood. These relationship result in neighbors wanting to come to Challenge Houses for: Bible study, library reading clubs, GED classes, Jobs for Life classes, bicycle mechanics classes, after-school tutoring, computer classes, among others.
 

“Challenge House is a deserving recipient of these computers,” according to René True, executive director of ConnectKentucky.  “What better way to begin the Christmas season than providing the Challenge House with the technology resources to provide the adults and children of the intercity of Hopkinsville with life changing opportunities.  These computers will touch many lives in a meaningful way.” 

About ConnectKentucky: ConnectKentucky is leading the way into a new economy for Kentuckians. As an independent technology-based economic development organization, ConnectKentucky works to ensure that Kentucky remains the place of choice to live, work and raise a family. ConnectKentucky is an alliance of technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities working together to accelerate technology in the Commonwealth.  For more information about ConnectKentucky visit www.connectkentucky.org.

About AT&T Foundation: In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.