ATB has partnered with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region for another year to get technology in the hands of more students in our province.

With a second donation from ATB of $100,000, United Way regions across the province identified the highest needs in their communities and facilitated the purchase, and distribution, of 424 Chromebook laptops to students at 31 schools across Alberta.

The renewed need to support equitable access to technology in schools emerged during the pandemic, when schools in Alberta went virtual and created new challenges for many families.

For some, it meant siblings living under the same roof sharing computers so they could attend their classes. Some kids opted to use their phones to connect to their frequent zoom calls. Others had to borrow laptops and chromebooks from their schools to fulfill their technology needs.

Last year, ATB approached United Way of the Alberta Capital Region with the need to get technology to more students.

With an initial donation from ATB of $100,000, United Way regions across the province identified the highest needs in their communities, and facilitated the purchase and distribution of 412 Chromebook laptops that went to students at 23 schools across Alberta in 2021.

“The pandemic revealed a gap in access to technology for students across the province,” said Chett Matchett, vice-president of strategy, talent and operations.

It’s a gap that ATB wanted to help fill.

“We believe Albertans deserve reliable and equitable access to technology. It’s one of the tools people need to participate in school, society and the economy at large,” said Matchett.

After the initial donation in 2021, ATB received a flood of thank-you letters from students across Alberta who had received a chromebook. The students shared how the new technology would improve and enhance their education experience. 

“We’ve heard some tremendous stories about the impact getting Chromebooks has had on students and their families' lives. Because of donations like ATB’s, families will not only be able to make sure their kids continue their schooling but can also access online resources and benefits,” said Rob Yager, President and CEO United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.

“Schools provide many supports for students and families outside of education — including food, mental health and family supports — and now these important connections and relationships can continue.”

President and CEO Curtis Stange says he's happy the donation this year can once again make a difference for Alberta students.

“Access to technology is something many of us may take for granted, but there are Albertans who don’t have access to the same opportunities because they don’t have reliable access to digital tools like laptops to do school work from home,” he said. “ATB is committed to contributing to the greater good of this incredible province, and this donation is just one way we aim to improve the wellbeing of Albertans."

Find out more about ATB’s Greater Good strategy.