BellSouth’s Legacy of Community Engagement
Mitchell Booth, 10 Jul 2025
Before its merger with AT\&T in 2006, BellSouth was not only a telecommunications leader in the southeastern United States but also a company deeply invested in the communities it served. Known for its corporate social responsibility, BellSouth consistently demonstrated that business success is achievable alongside a positive social impact.
One standout initiative was called Project: Connect, an educational outreach program designed to introduce young students to the world of technology. BellSouth distributed more than 16,000 educational CDs to schools and after-school programs across the region, enabling interactive resources to help children understand the basics of computing and digital literacy.
Long before technology topics became mainstream in elementary curricula, BellSouth’s initiatives aimed to bridge the digital divide by making tech education more accessible in lower socio-economic areas.
BellSouth’s community involvement continued as its social work extended beyond just education. The company regularly partnered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, offering both financial support and hands-on volunteer participation. Employees were encouraged to volunteer and participate in building homes, fostering a company culture rooted in service and connection to the community. These efforts not only had a significant impact on people’s lives but also strengthened local ties and solidified BellSouth as a responsible corporate entity.
In addition to its philanthropic projects, BellSouth supported diversity and inclusion through scholarship funds, arts sponsorships, and local economic development initiatives. Its community outreach reflected a clear philosophy: empower the regions you serve and everyone benefits.
Although BellSouth has since become part of AT\&T, its legacy of social responsibility endures. The values it championed, including access to education, homes, and stability, as well as celebrating diversity and equality, remain vital to community-minded business practices today.
