Logan CDC and AT&T Work Together to Improve Technology Center in North Philadelphia

AT&T has jumped into the community development fray in Philadelphia for the first time with an $8,000 donation to North Philadelphia’s Logan CDC. The donation will be used to add workforce preparedness classes to the Carlton Simmons Community Technology Center, which has been serving local residents at 11th and Courtland streets since 2010.

“Logan CDC plans to have an ongoing relationship with AT&T and is exploring opportunities for AT&T to provide technical assistance at the technology center,” said Cicely Peterson-Mangum, executive director of Logan CDC.

She added that she had discussions with multiple officials at AT&T about teaming up to organize a workshop on smart phone technology.

The telecommunications giant is also excited about the possibility of continued work with Logan. “At AT&T, we support programs where our employees live and work, helping organizations that promote learning, create opportunities, make connections and address community needs,” said Dan Langan, director of public affairs at AT&T. “We feel the CDC does those things.”

While this donation is AT&T’s first partnership with a CDC in Greater Philadelphia, Langan confirms they have assisted other organizations in the region over the past few years, including the Strawberry Mansion Learning CenterSoutheast Philadelphia Collaborative, and the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania. These programs primarily helped with high school graduation and career readiness.

The Carlton Simmons Community Technology Center offers 10 high-tech workstations and workshops promoting digital literacy. In addition, the center boasts a small library and a community meeting space. It was initially built and opened in 2010 with support from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Tri-State Pepsi Bottling Group.

(Image via Logan CDC.)