LYNWOOD, CA – Cesar Chavez Middle School students celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call by receiving 150 free refurbished laptops through a partnership between Lynwood Unified, LevelUp, Think Together and AT&T on March 3.

The laptops were provided to students participating in the LevelUp expanded learning program in partnership with Think Together, helping ensure they have the technology needed to continue learning at home.

Cesar Chavez eighth-grader Joseph Rodriguez said participating in Think Together has helped him improve academically while building important social and communication skills.

“The free laptops benefit students who want to have good careers and may not be able to afford one,” Rodriguez said. “Think Together helps us out. I’ve gotten better grades and learned how to talk to people. It’s helped me in a lot of different ways.”

In addition to the laptop distribution, the event highlighted LevelUp Lynwood, the District’s Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP), launched in 2024. The no-cost program serves students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, offering before- and after-school enrichment through academics, arts, sports and other engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

“We could not do this without our great partnership through LevelUp Lynwood, Think Together and AT&T,” Lynwood Unified ELOP Coordinator Thelma Gonzalez said. “Lynwood Unified is proud to provide opportunities to our students that enrich their learning, whether it’s supporting their academics, broadening their interests, or engaging them through new experiences.”

Following the laptop distribution, several students demonstrated how they use The Achievery, a free online learning platform created by AT&T that offers educational videos and activities students can access anywhere to continue learning beyond the classroom.

“The Achievery adds another learning space for our students and allows them to discover new things,” Cesar Chavez Principal Susan Riehle said. “We appreciate opportunities that provide meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

LevelUp Lynwood continues to grow across the District, with dozens of students participating daily in free before- and after-school programs that provide academic support, enrichment activities and opportunities to connect with peers and mentors.

“I was really grateful to receive the laptop because it will help me do homework, projects and more at home,” Cesar Chavez seventh-grader Jacklyn Noriega said. “Not only did I meet friends through Think Together, but it helps us get our homework done, and there are also options to do other things like cheer and coding.”

A typical day for LevelUp Lynwood students begins at 7 a.m. in the elementary schools with activities before the academic day begins. After school, students participate in homework and tutoring support, intramural sports, robotics and visual arts, before ending the day with a community circle where students and staff reflect on their day and share upcoming events.

“The strength of our students’ success comes from the partnerships we build with organizations that share our commitment to education,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “Through collaborations with partners like Think Together and AT&T, Lynwood Unified is able to provide resources and experiences that empower our students to thrive in school and beyond.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_LAPTOPDISTRIBUTION_1: Cesar Chavez Middle School students celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call by receiving 150 free refurbished laptops through a partnership between Lynwood Unified, LevelUp, Think Together and AT&T on March 3.

LUSD_LAPTOPDISTRIBUTION_2: Cesar Chavez eighth-grader Joseph Rodriguez (right) showcases how Think Together has helped him in his academics and improved his career-readiness skills during a free laptop distribution event on March 3.

LUSD_LAPTOPDISTRIBUTION_3: Cesar Chavez seventh graders Hailie Zamora (left) and Jacklyn Noriega (right) were two of 150 students who received a free laptop through a partnership between Lynwood Unified, Think Together, and AT&T on March 3.