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Palmetto Goodwill logo above giveaway bags from AT&T and Human-I-T, symbolizing the partnership to bridge the digital divide with laptops and digital access job training.
CommunityEducationFulfilling the Mission

AT&T & Palmetto Goodwill Bridge the Digital Divide

December 2, 2025

Recap: Laptops, Training, and Community Impact

Digital access is not a luxury. It is a foundation for education, employment, and stability. In the modern job market, lacking a computer or internet access creates a major barrier for job seekers and students in lower South Carolina.

This successful event proves that strategic partnerships drive Digital Access Job Training across South Carolina.

Palmetto Goodwill recently partnered with AT&T and Human-I-T to host a major laptop distribution event. We provided refurbished devices to families and students in the Charleston area. We are proud to use our space and time to help bridge the digital divide. Therefore, every member of our community has the tools to succeed.

1. The Impact: Putting Tools in Hands That Need Them

This giveaway was a certified recap of collaboration. It was driven by the shared goal of tackling technological equity at the local level.

Key Community Impact Numbers:

  • 120+ Refurbished Laptops: Over 120 devices were distributed to local students, youth, and families. This provided essential connectivity for schoolwork and career searching.

  • Targeting the Need: Palmetto Goodwill played a critical role. Specifically, we identified and qualified the students and families ready to take their education and careers to the next level.

  • Corporate Commitment: The laptops were funded by AT&T. This commitment is part of an effort to help 25 million people stay connected to high-speed internet by the year 2030.

Table set with giveaway bags from AT&T, Human-I-T, and Palmetto Goodwill, showing readiness to distribute laptops for Digital Access Job Training SC.

The distribution table, fully loaded with branded bags from AT&T and Human-I-T, confirms the meticulous logistics required to deliver over 120 refurbished laptops.

2. Why Digital Access is Job Training

For Palmetto Goodwill, a free laptop is not just a tool for school. Indeed, it is a direct pathway into our workforce development programs. Digital literacy is essential for modern job placement, regardless of age.

Services Aligned with Digital Equity:

  • Free Digital Training: The first step to a new career is certification.Furthermore, we offer Free Google Coursera certifications for adults SC—in IT Support, Data Analytics, and Project Management—at no cost to you.  

  • Career Opportunity Centers (COC): Our 12 COCs across South Carolina provide free, accessible spaces where job seekers can utilize computers, access the internet, and prepare their resumes. This ensures continuous Digital Access Job Training.

  • Adult Education: Students and families who received these laptops can now use them to access online learning for our Palmetto Excel Center, our tuition-free high school for adults 21+.  

Group photo of over 25 students and Palmetto Goodwill staff celebrating the distribution of refurbished laptops, boosting digital access and job training in the Charleston area.

Students and families celebrating the successful distribution of refurbished laptops, thanks to the combined effort of Palmetto Goodwill, AT&T, and Human-I-T to bridge the digital divide.

3. The Power of Partnership: Why Your Support Matters

Corporations like AT&T choose to partner with Palmetto Goodwill. Why? We offer a mission-driven solution that provides immediate, measurable community impact. Our operational capacity is what makes these events successful.

The Mission Connection:

  • Logistics and Space: We provided the secure space and staff time needed to host the distribution event. Crucially, this is only possible because our organization is financially stable.  

  • Sustaining the Mission: Every item you donate and every purchase you make in our retail stores funds our infrastructure (our 12 COCs, Success Coaches, and staff time). Therefore, this makes us a reliable partner for major corporate giving.  

  • Electronic Recycling: This event highlights our commitment to tech access. In addition, we recycle electronics, helping to safely manage e-waste and ensure resources are available for the next round of refurbished devices.  

James Byrd, AT&T Regional Director, speaking at the laptop distribution event, confirming AT&T's commitment and investment in the Palmetto Goodwill mission.

James Byrd, AT&T Regional Director, delivers remarks, highlighting the essential high-level commitment of corporate partners to investing in our mission and driving community impact.

Your Role in Community Investment

This partnership successfully placed essential digital tools in the hands of those who need them most. We are grateful to AT&T and Human-I-T for their commitment.

Now, we need your help to fund the next round of training and services.

Three Ways You Can Continue the Impact:

  1. Donate Goods: Your unused clothing and household goods are instantly converted into funding for programs like the Palmetto Excel Center and free Google Certifications.

  2. Utilize Our Services: If you or a loved one needs a job, free training, or career support, visit one of our Career Opportunity Centers today. Find your goodwill job connections near me.

  3. Shop Local: Every purchase made at a Palmetto Goodwill retail store keeps your dollars local. Consequently, this directly supports job training and employment services in your community.