Cal State Monterey Bay students receive laptops through AT&T partnership

By Melissa Anderson

On a clear afternoon, a group of middle and high school students from across Monterey County and their families gathered outside Cal State Monterey Bay’s Otter Student Union with a mix of college students, community leaders and educators for the second annual Leadership Fellows kickoff, Sept. 4. Through generous donations from AT&T and Human-I-T, 25 Fall 2026 Cal State Monterey Bay Leadership Fellows and 75 students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County received refurbished laptops and backpacks filled with school supplies to help them succeed in the new academic year.

"Having the right resources and support can make a meaningful difference in a student's ability to learn, grow and succeed," said Carlos Vargas, interim president of Cal State Monterey Bay. "I'm grateful for partners who help ensure  our students have what they need to start the academic year ready to thrive."

In a press release before the event, Ron Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, said he appreciated AT&T’s generosity.

“As AI  reshapes the way the world leverages information, early access to technology is more critical than ever,” Johnson said. “This laptop donation opens a world of new possibilities for youth. The next great innovator or change agent may be one of the young people  receiving laptops today.” 

CSUMB selected the 25 incoming students for the Leadership Fellows program, out of hundreds of applications, based on their leadership experiences  from high school or community college and their potential to have a positive impact at the university and the tri-county communities The selected  Leadership Fellows will also receive a scholarship provided through the Robert Darwin Estate gift.

The event is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide. The backpacks included supplies like notebooks, pencils and headphones, as well as cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees. AT&T will distribute 30,000 laptops to communities nationwide in 2026. 

"Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that starts with reliable access to technology that supports today's learning environment,” Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, a councilmember for the City of Seaside, who is also a Cal State Monterey Bay and Boys and Girls Club alumna, said in the press release. "Investments like this from AT&T help remove barriers for local families and equip young people [with] the tools  they need to learn, grow and pursue new opportunities."

Garcia-Arrazola spoke at the event along with representatives from the university, the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County and AT&T.

“Access to technology is essential for students to succeed in the classroom and  beyond,” said Bettye Saxon, manager of external affairs for AT&T. “Through  the efforts of our employees and organizations like HUMAN-I-T, we’re helping put  laptops and other important resources directly into the hands of students who need them and continuing our work to help close the digital divide across California.” 

Reuban Rodriguez, interim vice president for Student Affairs, offered a welcome and closing at the event.

“We love any opportunity to showcase, and I am especially pleased to have our middle [and] high school students and families with us this afternoon,” he said. “College may seem a long way away, but I hope you see your future when you look around.”

The event ended with community leaders and partners taking a group photo and distributing the backpacks and laptops.