AT&T Builds Digital Learning Lab in Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Computers, laptops, gaming systems, drones and cameras, kids on Rochester’s west side now have a lot of new technology at their fingertips after AT&T donated $50,000 to Cameron Community Ministries to remodel a community center.

6-year-old Deavon Parks Jr. has been coming to Cameron Ministries for a while now. “I just live two streets across from here,” he tells News10NBC. “I come here even if it’s windy, snowy, rainy, or sunny.” He’s now got some new technology at his little fingertips.

AT&T reached out to the Urban League of Rochester to see what it could do to help bridge the digital divide within the communities most in need. “When you look at this AT&T digital learning lab, it is evidence of us interrupting inequities,” says Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, the CEO of the Urban League.

AT&T remodeled the downstairs of the center along Cameron Street and added a dozen computers, a few laptops and gaming systems, cameras and video editing equipment. It’s all connected to the internet and available for use daily to those who visit. “We know that in this community there a very few families do have access to internet and some families that don’t have high-speed internet or they have a device that’s so old it goes slow and they can’t really work on it,” says Olivia Kassoum-Amadou, the Executive Director of Cameron Community Ministries.

It’s not just kids that Cameron Ministries is trying to reach, parents will be welcome at night too. “This center will be very person-centered meaning whatever your needs are we will meet you there and not try to take you above something to skills that you don’t already have,” explains Kassoum-Amadou.

AT&T is currently building 5 other digital learning labs across New York State.