National PTA and AT&T Team Up to Help Close the "Homework Gap"

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Jul 20, 2017, 15:31 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National PTA and AT&T have teamed up to highlight the importance of connectivity to student achievement and family engagement in education, as well as increase digital access for families. The goal of the collaboration is to help close the "homework gap" and ensure all children have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

"Technology and the internet have created countless opportunities for teaching and learning. Having access to both is essential for students to develop the skills they need to be competitive," said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. "However, among schools, across districts and in homes many students and families lack sufficient connectivity. Increasing internet access for families is critical to help make sure all students have every opportunity for success."

Through their collaboration, National PTA and AT&T will educate families on how students are using digital technology in the classroom and arm them with tips to use technology and the internet to support their child's education at home. For example, the AT&T Digital You® portal includes English and Spanish-language resources and tools for getting online, using technology safely, utilizing online learning sites, job searching and more.

"Technology has made it more convenient for families to be involved in their child's education and to engage in regular communication with teachers and school staff," added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "We are pleased to team up with AT&T to empower families with the tools they need to connect to the internet and support their child's education at home."

National PTA and AT&T will also help qualifying families connect to low-cost internet service through Access from AT&T. The Access program provides an affordable way for qualifying customers to take advantage of the opportunities internet access can bring—including the ability to conduct research for school projects, complete homework assignments, access virtual library shelves, apply for jobs and complete an education online. It is available to households located in the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline service with at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In California only, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients also may qualify. Visit ATT.com/Access for full details.

"An affordable home internet connection is vital to promote digital inclusion—making it possible for students to complete homework and families to apply for jobs, keep in touch with family and friends and so much more," said Judson Flynn, assistant vice president, product marketing, AT&T. "That's why we're excited to team up with National PTA to help raise awareness of the Access program from AT&T and the tools available to help students and families succeed."

For more information about National PTA and AT&T's collaboration, visit PTA.org/DigitalAccess.

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, business, mobile and high speed internet services. We offer the nation's best data network* and the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider.** We're one of the world's largest providers of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. Nearly 3.5 million companies, from small to large businesses around the globe, turn to AT&T for our highly secure smart solutions.

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*Claim based on the Nielsen Certified Data Network Score. Score includes data reported by wireless consumers in the Nielsen Mobile Insights survey, network measurements from Nielsen Mobile Performance and Nielsen Drive Test Benchmarks for Q3+Q4 2016 across 121 markets.

**Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; and voice roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries.

SOURCE National PTA