Camp HYPE, a Workforce Alliance Youth Employment Project, exposes students to technology careers and skills.

As part of AT&T’s recently announced nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide and homework gap, AT&T is contributing $10,000 to FlagshipKansas.Tech, an organization focused on raising awareness of innovation, growing the tech workforce in Kansas, and supporting education programs in the tech field. AT&T’s contribution will enable FlagshipKansas to partner with the Workforce Center of South Central Kansas and its Youth Employment Project to put on the Technology Camp HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Employment).

The Technology Camp HYPE is a 5-day learning experience dedicated to promoting digital literacy and helping students learn about the skills needed to pursue a career in the tech sector. Held at Groover Labs, students will be exposed to valuable soft skills, technology careers, and industry leaders. Participants will hear from AT&T and other organizations about the importance of technology and how students can find their passion. The camp is taking place at Groover Labs from June 13-17, with many of the students attending USD 259 schools.

“The pandemic has not only exposed the need for bridging the digital divide in our state, but also the need for digital literacy for our economy,” said Molly Kocour Boyle, President, AT&T Kansas. “AT&T is proud to support programs like the Technology Camp HYPE initiative. FlagshipKansas’s collaboration with companies in tech will show students that they don’t have to move out of the state to be successful – that tech jobs are right here in this state.”

According to a report by the Kansas Health Institute, three in 10 Kansans do not have access to an adequate internet connection. The lack of access spread across all income levels suggests that adequate access is not just a financial issue. Taking these stats into consideration, along with the increase of tech sector jobs in the Wichita area, organizations like FlagshipKansas are vital to bridging the digital divide.

“Many people don’t realize that Kansas has a very strong tech sector,” said Ashley Scheideman, Executive Director, FlagshipKansas.Tech. “With over 1,000 tech companies in the state and billions in revenue generated from the tech sector, it is important that Kansas students have the necessary skills to find employment in a growing field. Camp HYPE is a great way to expose students to a variety of tech occupations, and we are thankful that AT&T recognizes the importance of this camp.”

AT&T is committing more than $2 billion over the next three years to bridge the digital divide through affordable broadband offers for both consumers and education institutions, as well as high-quality educational resources and community investment through AT&T Connected Learning, a program to connect students to skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life.

About Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas is the Local Workforce Development Board for Area IV of Kansas and operates employment and training programs through the Workforce Centers of South Central Kansas with locations in Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, and Sumner Counties. For additional information on the Workforce Alliance or Workforce Centers, please visit workforce-ks.com.

The Workforce Alliance (WA) Youth Employment Project is an opportunity to assist young adults in gaining employment. Services include resume assistance, job search, preparing for interviews, as well as education in soft skills, customer service, and money management.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to bridging the digital divide and narrowing the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.