AT&T Contributes $600,000 to Help New Jersey Students along the Path to Graduation

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Dec 16, 2014, 10:30 ET

TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T this year contributed more than $600,000 to organizations across New Jersey as part of AT&T Aspire, the company's signature education initiative focused on high school success and career readiness. With an unwavering commitment to data-driven education outcomes, AT&T Aspire has impacted more than one million students since its launch in 2008.

"At AT&T, we believe that when we invest in education, we are making our communities stronger, safer and more economically viable," said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid-Atlantic. "We understand that investing in a well-educated workforce may be the single most important thing we can do to support a strong, competitive New Jersey. That's why we've teamed up with organizations across the Garden State to inspire students to stay in school and prepare them to be the next generation of leaders for New Jersey."

Schweder added that AT&T and its employees have a tradition of giving back to the communities where they live and work. All told, AT&T and its employees contributed more than $14.4 million from 2009-2013 through giving programs in the state.

In 2014, Rowan University received a $50,000 contribution for its Junior Aim High Academy, which exposes high school students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.

"AT&T is one of the leading corporations in New Jersey supporting STEM initiatives. These initiatives are essential as we introduce students to educational and professional opportunities in science, engineering, medicine and other fields. AT&T's contributions are critically important for our region and our state, which needs well-trained talent in these high-demand areas," said Dr. Ali Houshmand, president, Rowan University.

New Jersey City University (NJCU) received $40,000 to support the Proyecto Science program that provided under-served high school students with STEM-based academic enrichment classes last summer.

"AT&T's generous support of NJCU's Proyecto Science program is a priceless gift to 250 high school students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to advance their interest in science. Proyecto Science introduces young science students to study on a university campus and opens their eyes to the countless possibilities a higher education can offer," said NJCU Vice President for University Advancement Daniel P. Elwell.

The 2014 funding recipients are:

ASPIRA Association, Inc. (Newark, Paterson, Jersey City): $198,000
To support the expansion of ASPIRA's Youth Peer Development, an after-school program serving high school students who are at risk of dropping out. The students receive academic support and guidance, including behavioral management, community involvement, and college and career exploration. Paterson, Newark and Jersey City are among the locations that will share in the over $990,000 contribution to ASPIRA to support programs in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Rutgers University Foundation (Statewide): $150,000
To support the expansion of the STEM-related curriculum of Rutgers Future Scholars program, which annually introduces 200 first-generation, low-income and underrepresented middle school students to the opportunities of a college education.

Rowan University Foundation (Glassboro): $50,000
To support the Junior Aim High Academy where 25 underserved, rural high school students attended a three-week program on the Rowan University campus and gain exposure to STEM careers, learn about the college admissions process and participate in service learning activities.

New Jersey City University (Jersey City): $40,000
To support the Proyecto Science program that provides under-served high school students with STEM-based academic enrichment classes during the summer.

Drew University (Madison): $30,000
To support the Governor's School in the Sciences that provides opportunities for high-achieving high school students to explore STEM-related careers while living on a college campus during the summer.

Children's Home Society of New Jersey (Trenton): $12,000
To support a program where underserved high school students increase their level of school engagement while also developing leadership skills through their participation in STEM-based peer leadership activities and projects.

Latino Institute (Newark): $15,000
To support STEM workshops that introduces underserved high school students to STEM-related careers with the goal of increasing their interest in pursuing these fields after high school.

NJ SEEDS (Newark): $25,000
To support a college preparation program that provides accelerated classes, academic enrichment activities and college placement support to low-income, high school students during the summer and on Saturdays.

New Jersey Heroes (Mendham): $25,000
To support the Spirit of a Hero scholarship program that will provide five $5,000 scholarships to urban high school students who have a strong history of community engagement and volunteerism.

Civic League (New Brunswick): $25,000
To support the Intercede Scholars program that offers mentoring opportunities, academic enrichment activities, service learning projects and college campus visits for low income high school students.

Middle Earth (Bridgewater): $10,000
To support a STEM-based apprenticeship program that provides under-served teens with hands-on, paid work experiences for eight weeks.

Christ the King Preparatory School (Newark): $20,000
To support a STEM program where college students are paired with under-served, urban high school students to improve math and science comprehension.

Learn More About AT&T Aspire
AT&T Aspire brings together AT&T employees, nonprofits and community members to help equip students with the skills they need to lead the digital, global economy. AT&T is investing in innovative education organizations, tools and solutions; and employing technology and capabilities that are unique to our company to make a positive impact on education. To learn more visit www.att.com/aspire and follow us @ConnectToGood.

About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement or address community needs. In 2013, more than $130 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T's signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse^® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://about.att.com or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

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