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

On Dec 31, 2014

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.

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