Image from ATB and United Way

By Connor Gunn

ATB donates $100,000 in laptops towards Alberta schools

Apr 22, 2021 | 11:38 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– 412 Chromebooks are being distributed to 23 Alberta schools from ATB in partnership with United Way.

Throughout the pandemic, online classes became the new normal. Using a laptop was needed for many students and children that did not have a laptop needed to purchase one.

For some, it meant siblings living under the same roof sharing computers so they could attend their classes.

“The pandemic revealed a gap in access to technology for students across the province,” said Chett Matchett, associate vice-president of strategy, operations, and social economics. “It’s a gap that ATB wanted to help fill.”

“We believe Albertans deserve reliable and equitable access to technology. It’s one of the tools people need to participate in school, society and the economy at large,” added Matchett.

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With a donation from ATB of $100,000, United Way regions across the province noted the highest needs in their communities purchased and distributed 412 Chromebook laptops to those in need.

“We were really excited to get in touch with the Lethbridge School Division with this news,” said Riley Swanberg, community development coordinator for United Way in Lethbridge.

“Education inequality is one of those local issues that are important for us to address, and we know teachers have been challenged throughout the pandemic by transitions to and from online learning, and making sure their students have the tools they need,” Swanberg added.

“United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta distributed 66 Chromebooks to seven middle and high schools in Lethbridge, including Winston Churchill High School, Wilson Middle School, LCI, Victoria Park High School, Gilbert Paterson Middle School, G.S. Lakie Middle School, and Chinook High School,” the release reads.

The laptops are being delivered currently and have since April 5.

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