AT&T Foundation Grant of $7,500 Helps High School Success and Workforce Readiness Program Across the Commonwealth

MIDLOTHIAN, Va., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today joined Jobs for Virginia Graduates to announce its grant of $7,500 to assist at-risk and disadvantaged youth to graduate from high school and find and keep quality jobs.  Students, educators, Delegate M. Kirkland Cox (R-66) and representatives from Jobs for Virginia Graduates and AT&T will be available for a photo opportunity to announce the initiative on June 9, 9-10 a.m., at Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Road, Midlothian, Virginia.  

Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) is an award-winning program celebrating its 20th year of assisting students who are at-risk of not graduating from high school.  JVG is affiliated with Jobs for America's Graduates which helps high school seniors stay in school, graduate, and successfully transition from school to work.  

"It's critical that we equip our youth with the tools they need to pursue quality education and land sound jobs," said Delegate Cox.  "This initiative between Jobs for Virginia Graduates and AT&T is an ideal example of how a public-private partnership invests in the future of our economy and our workforce."

"We're committed to working with the local community to give at-risk youth the resources they need to be successful in today's society and job market," said J. Michael Schweder, President, AT&T Mid-Atlantic Region.  "A lot of this work must be done with groups like Jobs for Virginia Graduates who have the expertise to help kids graduate from high school and find jobs in today's market."

Jobs for Virginia Graduates currently serve 1400 students in more than 20 Virginia Public School sites.  

"We look forward to growing our relationship with AT&T to help expand our school-to-graduate-to-work program across the Commonwealth of Virginia," said R. Barry Glenn, JVG President & CEO.

The AT&T Foundation has a track record of working with organizations like JVG to help address high school success and workforce readiness. In addition to the grant to Jobs for Virginia Graduates, the AT&T Foundation also made a high school success grant of $400,000 to Communities In Schools of Virginia.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, nearly $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.