Fifty Harlingen CISD students received laptops and backpacks through a partnership between the Harlingen Area Educational Foundation and AT&T on September 4.
These laptops give students another way to complete assignments, conduct research, and build technology skills at home.
For Silvia Gonzalez, a Vela Middle School 8th Grader, receiving a laptop meant having a device of her own for the first time.
“I was excited because I didn’t have one personally,” Gonzalez said. “I’ll be able to study more and use it for classes like math and history. I am thankful they are doing this for us.”
Student Sara Villarreal, a KEYS Academy + Reimagined junior, said she plans to use her laptop for schoolwork now and as she prepares for college.
“I just want to say thank you,” Villarreal said. “This is an amazing opportunity for me.”
Dr. Bonnie Villarreal, president of HAEF, said the donation supports the foundation’s mission to create more opportunities for students.
“We want to provide students with access to great tools and resources at home so they can strengthen their skills and build brighter futures,” Villarreal said.
Harlingen CISD Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan told students the laptops represented more than a new device.
“Yes, you are receiving a device, but more than that, you are receiving access to a tool that can take you anywhere,” Kortan said. “Each one of you is a world of possibilities, and as educators, partners and a community, we are reminding you how much we believe in you.”
Mario Barragan, director of government affairs for AT&T, said partnerships like this can make a real difference for students.
“This is an investment in our students’ futures,” Barragan said. “These laptops are vehicles that can take them wherever they want to go.”
The donation brought Harlingen CISD, HAEF and AT&T together around one shared goal: giving students the tools they need to learn, grow and prepare for what comes next.
