Silicon Harlem Opens First-Of-Its-Kind Digital Learning Lab In Harlem Under An AT&T $2B Commitment

Silicon Harlem has opened a digital learning lab with the support of AT&T and the New York Urban League to help kids learn more about tech careers, according to CBS New York. The first-of-its-kind lab in Harlem, NY, is a part of the major telecommunication company’s $2 billion commitment to the program. The new technology featured includes the likes of augmented reality (AR), code creating, and more. The mission is to combat the lack of diversity in tech roles.

“We want to change that, and that’s the reason you all are here because we want to make sure that when it’s time for you all to apply for those jobs, that you’ll be the first person to get them,” New York Urban League President and CEO Arva Rice said at the opening of the lab, according to the outlet.

Among the lab’s opportunities is its own drone, the outlet details. Pilot Henze Gustave, who has worked with Walmart on its delivery fleet, will be joined by the Drone Cadets to teach children how to fly.

In addition to its donation, AT&T’s $2 billion commitment includes amplifying the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that provides discounts to eligible families to “ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more,” according to the FCC’s website.

 “It’s a really big gamechanger and frankly, there’s not enough New Yorkers who are eligible for the program who have signed up, so we really want to get people to do that,” John Emra, AT&T Atlantic region president, said.

AT&T has opened four additional digital learning labs across New York over the past year. Additionally, the company aims for further its expansion into more boroughs to provide neighborhoods with free broadband access.