PHOTOS COURTESY OF BBBS

Miami– According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions nationwide still don’t have access to the internet, or the connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide. On Saturday, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami distributed 150 refurbished laptops and backpacks stuffed with school supplies provided by AT&T and Compudopt to students and families in need. The distribution is part of an effort to help bridge the divide and equip 30,000 students nationwide with supplies before they head back to school. Above from left, Devon Georges, Rebekah Lanae Lengel, Gale Nelson, Lakeisha Frith, Asim Pleas, and other community leaders and volunteers, below, were onsite to help distribute the laptops and backpacks and provide services. “These laptops will connect them to a world of possibilities,” said Nelson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami president & CEO. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.