CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — As part of a collaborative initiative between AT&T and Compudopt, 1,500 laptops have been provided to Illinois students and families as part of “Illinois Back to School Connectivity Month.

AT&T and Compudopt are providing 1,500 refurbished laptops this month to distribute to Illinois residents in need. It’s part of AT&T’s “Illinois Back to School Connectivity Month” throughout September 2025.

The computers, funded by an AT&T contribution, are being given to students and families served by local non-profit organizations throughout the state in September.

“As students are back to school, AT&T is proud to collaborate with these community organizations to distribute laptops and help connect Illinois students and families to greater possibilities,” said Eileen Mitchell, President, AT&T Illinois. “We are encouraging students to use these laptops to dream big, because connecting changes everything.”

AT&T worked with a dozen non-profit organizations throughout the state, including the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club in Champaign.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still 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 effort is part of AT&T’s 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 high-speed internet by 2030. This includes distributing more than 5,000 computers and devices to students and their families across Illinois since 2021.