AT&T recently announced they are donating over 500 free hotspots and and free internet connectivity to Warren City School District.

The school is one of more than 100 organizations and school districts that will receive those benefits which are intended to help more than 35,000 vulnerable students in the United States.

"This support for students, families and educators in Warren helps lift our entire community," said President and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Guy Coviello. "We're mindful that, even as students are returning to classrooms, it will still take time to address the educational impact the last year had on students. We are thankful to AT&T and Connected Nation for their help in keeping students connected."

According to AT&T, lack of internet and connectivity issues were heightened by the pandemic. They say it has disproportionately effected 1 in 3 students of color, students with disabilities and 10% of public school teachers -- especially in under-resourced and rural neighborhoods.

"As the Warren City School District continues to work to close the digital divide, AT&T's generous contribution of 500 internet connection and content filtering devices will assist in providing for more students to have stable, reliable access to our online curriculum and other digital resources," said Warren City Schools Superintendent Steve Chiaro. "We have found that in times like this it is imperative that we not only meet the curricular needs of our students but also stay connected with them and their families while addressing the social-emotional needs of the whole child. A contribution of this nature has such a profound impact on our students, staff, families, and community. We are so grateful to AT&T and Connected Nation for bringing this opportunity to our students."

AT&T says they are expanding wireless affordability and flexibility for all schools in its service area with unlimited wireless data plans that include content filtering services to support online safety protocols.