KENWOOD, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation recently hosted a back-to-school event and distributed 150 laptops and backpacks with school supplies provided by AT&T and Compudopt to students at Kenwood and Oaks Mission schools.
Last year, the Cherokee Nation and AT&T worked together to bring a cell tower to Kenwood and opened the tribe’s first Connected Learning Center in Catoosa, which is a dedicated space that provides internet access and educational tools to Native citizens.
“In addition to the Kenwood cell tower and Connected Learning Center, Cherokee Nation is proud to partner with AT&T and Compudopt to continue the effort of bringing digital connectivity to the area of Kenwood and other communities on the Reservation,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “It’s vital that our students are not part of the digital divide, and these laptops will ensure that students have access to their tribe, learning resources, their language and so much more.”
Students in grade 4-8 at Kenwood received laptops, while students in grade 4-12 at Oaks Mission also received laptops thanks to the contribution from AT&T and Compudopt.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for these students,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “These devices aren’t always easily accessible to everyone, so now that these students have one to call their own, it just opens the door to so many new opportunities.”
Students were able to pick up the computers and accessories at the tribe’s new Woody Hair Community Center in Kenwood recently.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Compudopt and Cherokee Nation to help close the digital equity gap in their community,” said Steve Hahn, president, AT&T Oklahoma. “Connectivity is vital for students, and we’re glad to once again work with Cherokee Nation to provide these resources to those that need them most.”
Kenwood Public School Superintendent Jerod Phillips said the contribution will make a positive change among students.
“This is going to be a really great thing for our kids. A lot of kids don’t have access to computers at home, so these laptops will make it a possibility for children to have a one-on-one opportunity,” Phillips said.