Lewis Elementary families receive laptops, digital literacy support at PTA event

DOWNEY – Families at Lewis Elementary School received hands-on lessons in digital literacy and online safety this week as the school’s PTA partnered with National PTA and AT&T to host a “Ready, Tech, Go!” event focused on healthy technology use at home.

The May 5 event also included the distribution of 200 refurbished laptops to preselected families through a partnership with nonprofit organization Human-I-T.

Organizers said the program was designed to help parents and caregivers better understand how to manage screen time, promote digital well-being and create safer online environments for children. The event featured discussions, educational activities and resources focused on digital habits and internet safety.

According to the press release, families participated in conversations centered around the question, “Is my family ScreenReady?” while children took part in activities inside AT&T’s Mobile Connectivity Center, a traveling technology hub housed inside an 18-wheeler that provides internet access, devices and digital resources.

“We believe in empowering parents and caregivers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to support healthy screen readiness and digital well-being at home,” Yesica Vasquez, vice president of the Lewis Elementary PTA, said in a statement. “We are bringing families together to learn, grow and navigate technology safely so every child can thrive both online and offline.”

The event was part of the PTA Connected initiative, a collaboration between National PTA and AT&T aimed at addressing the digital divide and improving digital literacy among families nationwide. Lewis Elementary PTA was one of 230 elementary school PTAs selected to receive grant funding during the 2025-26 school year. The school received $1,500 in support from AT&T to help conduct the program.

AT&T officials said the company has committed $5 billion since 2021 to help expand internet access and digital literacy nationwide, including distributing more than 31,000 computers to California students and families.

Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T, said early access to technology can have long-term impacts on students’ confidence and opportunities.

“After thirteen years of doing this work, I can tell you the kids who get there early carry that confidence the rest of their lives,” Middleton said in a statement.