AT&T donates to CybHER

November 14, 2024

AT&T has contributed $26,400 to the Dakota State University Foundation to help youth with limited internet access from South Dakota’s nine tribal nations. This is part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide.

The support will allow CybHER® teams to work with Boys & Girls Clubs in tribal nations, bringing technology outreach and digital literacy training to tribal students who have limited or no access to technology due to issues of accessibility, affordability, and adoption.

“This gift from AT&T will allow us to strengthen our work with Boys & Girls Clubs in tribal nations by delivering technology and digital literacy training via onsite educator visits,” said Kanthi Narukonda, CybHER director. “We will also be able to purchase necessary equipment such as iPads and robots for our programming. We are so grateful that AT&T’s support will help the CybHER program foster a love for cybersecurity and prepare students for successful careers.”

CybHER’s mission is to empower, motivate, educate, and shift the perception of girls and women in cybersecurity. It provides resources from middle school to college and beyond, helping girls and young women foster positive relationships through curated content. The goal is to boost diversity by encouraging more women to enter the field and pursue influential careers in cybersecurity.

“AT&T is proud to support Dakota State University’s efforts to help close the digital equity gap for tribal youth in South Dakota,” said Cheryl Riley, President of AT&T Northern Plains. “Digital literacy training and access to connectivity are vital to bridge the digital divide, and we are glad we can help expand the CybHER program to reach even more tribal youth in need.”

In South Dakota, it’s estimated that nearly 12% of households, including many on tribal lands, 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. DSU’s CybHER program bridges the digital divide for tribal youth through technology support and digital literacy training.

AT&T has long been a supporter of CybHER programs, enabling camps, travel to tribal nations, and specific initiatives that promote digital literacy. A 2022 grant from the AT&T Foundation made it possible for CybHER teams to travel to the nine South Dakota tribal nations to teach coding, robotics, online safety, and cyber concepts. AT&T’s contributions in 2023 and 2024 have allowed DSU to expand the CybHER program to support even more tribal youth affected by the digital divide. Over 340 tribal students benefited from the program last year, and this year’s AT&T contribution will expand its impact.

This contribution 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 committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to affordable, high-speed internet by 2030.

Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.