Access to technology is not just about having a device. It’s about unlocking opportunity. For many students in the Wilmer-Hutchins community, having a reliable laptop at home is the crucial difference between keeping up in class, completing assignments, and confidently exploring what’s possible for their futures. Thanks to the power of deep community partnerships, that difference just got a whole lot smaller.
A Shared Focus on Community Success
School communities thrive when families, educators, and invested partners gather with a shared focus on student success. That spirit shaped the recent Wilmer-Hutchins Family Night, which took place on November 20 at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, one of Dallas ISD’s southernmost schools.
AT&T approached United to Learn
Lisa Sherrod, AT&T’s Assistant Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs, approached United to Learn to explore a partnership focused on expanding digital access for Dallas ISD students. Together, they initially identified Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy, recognizing its strong emphasis on STEM education. Sherrod also brought a personal connection, having previously served on Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s staff.
Principal Marcus Paris welcomed the opportunity to highlight the innovative work happening on his campus. As planning progressed, early registration revealed a chance to reach more families by expanding the event’s scope.
Brittney Howell, United to Learn’s Regional Campus Program Manager, reflected on how the opportunity evolved, sharing, “When registration came in lower than expected in August, we saw an opening to broaden the impact in November. We expanded the vision to include the entire Wilmer-Hutchins feeder pattern, and each campus contributed performances and resources. The night became a celebration of the students and families we all serve.”
District and campus leaders worked together to reimagine the event as a feeder-wide Family Night. Student performances from the high school band, elementary and middle school dance teams, and cheer squads helped set a welcoming tone. District departments and community vendors hosted tables throughout the evening, transforming the original laptop distribution into a vibrant community gathering.
Feeder-Wide Unity: Equipping 250 Students with Laptops
The evening culminated in the successful distribution of all 250 laptops. Families from five schools participated, including Wilmer Hutchins High School and its feeder campuses: Royce West Middle School, Wilmer Hutchins Elementary, J. N. Ervin Elementary, and Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy Elementary.
Dallas ISD Executive Director Jasen Campbell joined principals, educators, and partner organizations throughout the night. Principals across the feeder pattern attended and engaged directly with families, reflecting a powerful, shared commitment to ensuring students have the tools needed to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Leaders in attendance included:
- Bobby Nevels, Wilmer Hutchins High School
- Monnique Banks, Royce West Leadership Academy
- Jennifer Edoghotu, Wilmer Hutchins Elementary
- Tenisha Allen, J.N. Ervin Elementary
- Marcus Paris, Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy
Reflecting on the impact of the evening, Principal Marcus Paris shared, “The Wilmer-Hutchins Family Night was a success on every level. The feedback from parents, colleagues, and the community was overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to our educational partner United to Learn, this event impacted not only students and families at Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy, but the entire Wilmer-Hutchins feeder pattern. Families left with new technology for their homes through AT&T and Compudopt, along with access to health information, voter registration, and other valuable community resources. We are already looking forward to planning this event again next year.”
Why Digital Access Matters
For many households, the lack of a computer creates real barriers. Students may struggle to complete assignments or conduct research, while families can miss important school updates and online resources. With these 250 new laptops, students now have tools that support reading, homework, digital literacy, and communication with their teachers.
The evening also provided families with opportunities to connect with school staff and community organizations, reinforcing a unified, feeder-wide approach to supporting student achievement.
Partnerships That Power Progress
United to Learn’s mission is rooted in the belief that communities are strongest when they invest in their schools and that no single organization can bridge the opportunity gap alone. Partnerships like the one with AT&T vividly demonstrate what’s possible when businesses, nonprofits, and schools unite around the powerful, shared goal of accelerating student success.
AT&T provided all 250 devices, reinforcing its deep commitment to digital equity. Lisa Sherrod, Assistant Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T, offered welcoming remarks that underscored this commitment to expanding digital access for families. Texas House Representative Aicha Davis of District 109 also addressed attendees, offering uplifting remarks that reflected her gratitude for the community coming together to create such a supportive environment.
Compudopt served as the distribution vendor, bringing years of expertise in responsibly and efficiently connecting students with technology. Compudopt’s Chris Quintanilla provided an overview of the devices, including crucial warranty and support information, ensuring families knew how to make the most of their new laptops. Together, these organizations helped families walk away not just with technology—but with resources, skills, and support that carry far beyond the event.
Family Night showcased what is possible when schools and community partners unite around students. The energy in the room reflected a shared belief in what students can achieve when they have the tools and support they need. United to Learn is grateful to work alongside Dallas ISD and partners across the city who help create these meaningful moments. We invite community members to volunteer, invest, or connect with us as we continue supporting students and families across Dallas ISD.
Pictured above from left to right: Jasen Campbell, Dallas ISD Executive Director; Brittney Howell United to Learn Regional Campus Program Manager; Timothy Hise, United to Learn CEO; Bobby Nevels, Wilmer Hutchins High School Principal; Tenisha Allen J.N. Ervin Elementary Principal; Principal Jennifer Edoghotu, Wilmer Hutchins Elementary Principal; Monnique Banks, Royce West Leadership Academy Principal; Marcus Paris, Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy Principal; and Alison Kreher, United to Learn Director of Investor Relations.