Latest news with #digitaldivide
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"AI in the D" Brings Artificial Intelligence Literacy to Detroit Youth
Chapman Family Foundation and launch high-impact AI and entrepreneurship program DETROIT, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chapman Family Foundation, in partnership with is launching AI in the D, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping high school students in Detroit with foundational artificial intelligence (AI) skills and entrepreneurial training. The one-day workshop, scheduled for July 23, 2025, at Fellowship Chapel (7707 Outer Dr W, Detroit, MI 48235), will serve over 100 students. Participants will receive access to laptops, instruction from expert facilitators, and compete for cash prizes by pitching original AI-driven business concepts. "As AI technologies evolve rapidly, the digital divide is expanding," said Tamira Chapman, Founder of the Chapman Family Foundation. "Without early exposure and access, young Detroiters risk exclusion from the very economy shaping their future. AI in the D is our commitment to ensuring they're equipped to lead, not left behind." This program reflects a shared mission to drive equity and economic mobility. Winton Steward, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Midwest at Google, added, "At we believe that investing in youth entrepreneurship and digital literacy builds long-term opportunity. We're proud to support the Chapman Family Foundation's vision and to help young people in Detroit innovate and thrive." $200,000 grant to the Chapman Family Foundation builds on its ongoing commitment to Michigan. Since 2006, the organization has awarded more than $10 million to nonprofits across the state and worked to expand access to digital skills and workforce training. Its partnership with the Chapman Family Foundation will allow AI in the D to scale impact locally and serve as a model for national replication. As part of its broader digital equity efforts, the Chapman Family Foundation will continue to educate youth and also launch a companion AI literacy program for Detroit's senior citizens in August. Participation in AI in the D is free of charge and designed to eliminate barriers to entry. For more information, visit About the Chapman Family FoundationThe Chapman Family Foundation is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and underserved communities. The organization's programming focuses on education, environmental stewardship, hunger and homelessness, and arts and culture. About is the philanthropic division of Google. Its efforts focus on expanding access to digital knowledge, fostering inclusive innovation, accelerating scientific progress, and supporting communities in crisis. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chapman Family Foundation

Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya Partners with Mawingu Foundation to Launch Digital Communities
AFRICA Through American Tower's Digital Communities program, the three-year partnership will provide technology-equipped spaces that offer digital literacy for youth, vocational training for adults, and access to healthcare services. The initiative will benefit institutions such as vocational training centers, dispensaries, secondary schools and special schools, directly impacting over 50,000 beneficiaries. ATC Kenya ( a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure, and the Mawingu Foundation—the social impact arm of Mawingu Networks Limited—are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide across Kenya. This partnership will provide underserved and unserved communities with access to connectivity, digital learning materials, modern equipment, and essential digital skills. This initiative will benefit a wide range of institutions including Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), dispensaries, secondary schools, special schools, and surrounding communities. The program is expected to directly impact more than 50,000 individuals over the life of the partnership. Central to this effort is ATC's Digital Communities program, which offers technology-equipped spaces that deliver digital literacy for youth, vocational and financial training for adults, and access to healthcare services. By combining this model with the Mawingu Foundation's community reach and expertise, the partnership aims to foster inclusive development and equitable access to digital opportunities. 'At ATC Kenya, we are driven by our commitment to bridging the digital divide and by the belief that connectivity—especially in underserved and unserved areas—is essential to transforming lives and empowering communities,' said George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya. 'This is why partnerships with entities like the Mawingu Foundation are vital to achieving our vision of building a more connected Kenya.' Mawingu CEO, Farouk Ramji, noted that 'As Mawingu Foundation, we believe that closing the digital divide must start where the gap is widest, and this is in the heart of rural and peri-urban communities that we are dedicated to transforming. The Digital Communities initiative is proof that with the right partnerships, we can deliver meaningful, sustainable internet access where it matters most.' The collaboration will focus on identifying and supporting institutions most in need, ensuring that digital tools and connectivity are accessible where they can make the greatest impact. By addressing educational disparities and promoting digital inclusion, the partnership is set to create lasting change across Kenya. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of American Tower Corporation. Media Contacts: American Tower Mawingu Foundation press@ About ATC Kenya: ATC Kenya is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the largest global telecommunications Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate. ATC Kenya owns and operates over 4,200 telecommunications sites across the country, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunication providers confidently deliver communications connectivity to consumers throughout Kenya. For more information, visit: About Mawingu Foundation: Mawingu Foundation is the philanthropic and community development arm of Mawingu, dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved regions of Africa. The Mawingu Foundation is committed to expanding access to meaningful internet connectivity, digital infrastructure, and learning tools that empower youth, educators, and community institutions. Through strategic partnerships and on-the-ground initiatives, Mawingu Foundation focuses on enabling inclusive access to knowledge, opportunity, and innovation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. 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The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Private schools ‘ahead of the game' on AI use
State schools are significantly lagging behind private institutions in the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence, according to a new Sutton Trust report. A survey of over 10,000 teachers in England revealed that 45 per cent of private school teachers have received formal AI training, compared to just 21 per cent in state schools. Private schools are also three times more likely to have a school-wide strategy for AI integration and report higher rates of AI usage among staff, with the report describing them as "ahead of the game". Nearly a quarter of state school teachers expressed no confidence in using AI tools, highlighting a significant confidence gap compared to their private school counterparts. The Sutton Trust is urging the Government to intervene to address this widening digital divide and ensure all pupils can benefit from AI in education.


New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Quote of the Day: The Global A.I. Divide
'The A.I. era runs the risk of leaving Africa even further behind.' BRAD SMITH, Microsoft's president, speaking about a yawning gap that has opened among nations in the race to build artificial intelligence. Africa faces a particular challenge as many places do not have reliable electricity.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Verizon or Charter: Which Telecom Stock is the Smarter Investment?
Verizon Communications VZ and Charter Communications CHTR are both major players in the U.S. telecommunications industry. They primarily compete in fixed broadband, wireless services and enterprise connectivity verticals. Charter is the second largest cable operator in the United States and a leading broadband communications company providing video, Internet and voice services. The company served approximately 30.1 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum the leading wireless carrier in the United States, delivers communication services to a vast customer base across the public sector, small and medium businesses and global enterprises as U.S. telecommunication industry is rapidly changing owing to a multiple factor. Digital transformation initiatives, cloud adoption, remote work, smart homes, and growing AI usage are driving demand for high-speed Internet. Government initiatives, such as BEAD funding program to bridge up the digital divide in rural areas, are also acting as a catalyst. Amid this backdrop, let us analyze in depth the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the companies to understand who is in a better position to maximize gains from the emerging market trends. Verizon is benefiting from the growing demand for its industry-leading 5G portfolio. The company recently secured a multibillion-dollar contract from Thames Freeport in the United Kingdom. Per the deal, Verizon will deploy private 5G networks in major logistics, manufacturing, and innovation sites along the River Thames Estuary. Contract win in one of the busiest maritime logistic hubs in the region serves as a testament to the growing demand for VZ's 5G capabilities. The company is collaborating with Nokia to execute the 5G network primarily relies on three fundamental drivers to unlock the full potential of next-generation wireless technology. These include massive spectrum holdings, particularly in the millimeter-wave bands for faster data transfer, end-to-end deep fiber resources and the ability to deploy a large number of small cells. Moreover, growing usage of advanced data analytics, AI, edge computing and IoT infrastructure deployments is expected to drive demand for Verizon's 5G network in the long company is also betting big on Fiber network expansion as well. Verizon is set to acquire Frontier Communications in a $20 billion deal. Frontier boasts 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states in the United States. Frontier has been steadily investing in its fiber network; the company expects an additional 2.8 million fiber spots in addition to its current 7.2 million places by 2026. This will significantly boost Verizon's fiber the company operates in a highly competitive market and faces competition from other major players, such as AT&T, Inc. T, Charter, and T-Mobile. AT&T is also aggressively expanding its fiber footprint. The company is acquiring Lumen's fiber business. It is placing a strong focus on the densification of its existing fiber infrastructure. Such initiatives from AT&T can pose a challenge to Verizon's fiber network expansion. In a bid to expand its customer base, Verizon is spending heavily on promotion and is also offering lucrative discounts, which are weighing on margins. VZ's debt-to-cap ratio stands at 58.5%, while the current ratio is at 0.61. Charter is witnessing growth in residential mobile service and residential Internet services. The company has expanded its 5G coverage nationwide. Its Spectrum Mobile is the core element of Charter's converged network strategy, which aims to deliver highly competitive, simple data plans and pricing and ensure a premium connectivity experience for end users. The company is increasing collaboration with federal, state and local governments to bring Spectrum Internet to rural and underserved has pledged to invest $7 billion to add 100,000+ miles of fiber-optic network infrastructure. The company intends to deliver multigigabit and symmetrical Internet services across 1.7 million locations. The company recently expanded its gigabit broadband, mobile, TV and voice services in the states of Wisconsin, Tennessee and Indiana. With up to 1 Gbps, advanced WiFi, and 100% U.S.-based customer service, the company is steadily expanding Spectrum's footprint across the of its network infrastructure is opening up new revenue-generating opportunities. Nexar, a prominent AI-powered mobility solution provider, has opted to leverage Spectrum's expansive managed wireless network to facilitate faster delivery of roadway insights to the cloud faster and more efficiently. Successful integration will boost Charter's prospects in the emerging market of vehicle safety and data-driven mobility infrastructure the company operates in a fiercely competitive and saturated U.S. wireless market. It faces stiff competition from major players like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Charter has a leveraged balance sheet. As of March 31, 2025, the total principal amount of debt was $93.6 billion. Its debt-to-cap ratio stands at 82.6%, while its current ratio is at 0.36. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Verizon's 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 1.75% and 1.96%, respectively. The EPS estimate for 2025 has been trending southward over the past 60 days, while the 2026 EPS estimate has improved 0.82% over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Charter's 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 0.33% and 13.01%, respectively. The EPS estimates have been trending downward over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Over the past six months, Verizon has gained 7.3%, while Charter has improved 11.9%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Verizon looks more attractive than Charter from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/earnings ratio, Charter's shares currently trade at 9.48 forward earnings, higher than 8.67 for Verizon. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Charter and Verizon carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks has shown steady revenue growth over the past few years, while Verizon has been witnessing a bumpy road. Downtrend in estimate for both 2025 and 2026 shows dwindling investor sentiment on Charter. However, Verizon's comprehensive wireless and fiber network, which includes C-band spectrum, Fios infrastructure, combined with a strong focus on service reliability, gives it a clear competitive edge. Hence, with a robust cash flow and a healthy dividend payout ratio, Verizon appears to be a better investment option right now. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data