Families across Southwest Alabama are better equipped for success this school year thanks to a partnership between United Way of Southwest Alabama, AT&T, and Compudopt that is helping close the digital divide one computer at a time.

On Thursday, July 30, United Way welcomed community partners, volunteers, and local leaders to its Mobile office as refurbished laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to preselected recipients from throughout the region. The Mobile event was one of three simultaneous distributions held across Alabama as part of AT&T’s nationwide initiative to expand access to technology and digital opportunity.

The program featured remarks from Glyn Agnew, Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Alabama, Mobile City Councilman Cory Penn, and United Way of Southwest Alabama President and CEO Justine Bixler. Together, they highlighted the importance of reliable technology in today’s world and the opportunities these devices create for local families.

“Whether it’s a student completing homework, a parent applying for a job, or a family connecting to essential services, having a reliable computer can make a meaningful difference,” said Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “We’re proud to work alongside organizations that are helping more people gain the tools they need to learn, work, and thrive.”

Recipients represented a broad cross section of the community, including students, parents, job seekers, older adults, and families without reliable access to a computer at home. Eligible recipients were identified through referrals from a network of United Way partner agencies, educational, and nonprofit community organizations.

They include:

• Mobile County Public Schools,
• Family Promise of Coastal Alabama,
• the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast,
• Penelope House,
• Lifelines Counseling Services,
• Dumas Wesley Community Center,
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast,
• Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama,
• Coastal Family Partners,
• Mobile Area Education Foundation,
• Communities of Transformation,
• University of South Alabama,
• Legal Services Alabama,
• the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Mobile Chapter,
• Coastal Alabama Community College, and
• United Way of Southwest Alabama.

The impact of the initiative extends beyond Mobile County. In addition to the laptops distributed directly to families during the event, 15 additional laptops were provided to partner agencies serving Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington counties. Those agencies will place the computers directly into the hands of local students, families, and individuals who can benefit most, ensuring the investment reaches communities throughout United Way of Southwest Alabama’s four county service area.

The distribution is part of AT&T’s ongoing commitment to help bridge the digital divide across the country. Since 2021, AT&T has committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030, including distributing 30,000 laptops nationwide in 2026. By partnering with organizations like United Way and Compudopt, the initiative combines access to technology with trusted local community connections to ensure devices reach those who need them most.

United Way of Southwest Alabama extends its sincere appreciation to AT&T, Compudopt, Councilman Cory Penn, the partner agencies that identified recipients, and the volunteers who made the event possible. Together, these partnerships are creating new opportunities for individuals and families while ensuring more people have the tools they need to learn, work, connect, and thrive.

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