AT&T contributes $25,000 to DonorsChoose.org to Support Arts Programs Across Alabama

Birmingham, AL, May 9, 2019 — Efforts to keep local students connected to a positive future got a boost as A+ Education Partnership, DonorsChoose.org and AT&T joined forces to provide funding for arts supplies in 28 schools across Alabama.

A $25,000 contribution from AT&T supports the art projects as part of AT&T Aspire, the Company’s initiative to help provide access to education and training people need to get and keep good jobs.  AT&T, which has been connecting people for well over a century, also contributed $20,000 to the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Career Development Conference.

“As a former teacher I know that engaged and energetic young people with a thirst for learning are critical to healthy families today and a productive workforce tomorrow,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Thanks to the hard work of our teachers and administrators and financial support from corporate citizens like AT&T, we are able to reach even more young people and set them on a course of lifelong learning.”

“Through our work with schools and policymakers, we understand the importance of providing Alabama’s students with well-rounded educational opportunities that include the arts, and we are grateful for this gift that will help all students achieve their potential,” said Mark Dixon, president of A+ Education Partnership.

“We are so appreciative of AT&T’s longstanding support for classrooms through DonorsChoose.org,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “During a week of celebration and gratitude for teachers across our country, we’re grateful that AT&T is making the day brighter with new art supplies for teachers and students across Alabama!”

AT&T invests in education and job training to create a skilled and diverse workforce that powers our Company – and our country – for the future. Through the AT&T Aspire initiative, AT&T helps provide access to education and training that people need to get and keep good jobs. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $400 million to programs to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world.  AT&T Aspire brings together the power of our network – our employees, our technology and organizations – to connect people to opportunities through education and job training.

“Our Company’s future, as well as the country’s, is dependent upon today’s young people,” said Wayne Hutchens, president of AT&T Alabama. “AT&T is proud to support our public schools and the administrators and teachers’ tireless efforts to better serve our Alabama students. Through Aspire, we support programs that invest in students, especially those who need it the most, so they can walk across the graduation stage ready for their future.”

With over 140 years of innovation, AT&T’s history is a story of people from all walks of life and backgrounds coming together to connect customers with their loved ones, their work and their world. Our diverse, inclusive culture welcomes all points of view and helps to make us who we are: a great place to work, a desired business partner, and a committed member of the communities we serve.

Click here to see all of the funded projects!

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About Philanthropy & Social Innovation 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. The company’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.

About DonorsChoose.org

DonorsChoose.org is the leading platform for giving to public schools. Teachers across America use the site to create projects requesting resources their students need, and donors give to the projects that inspire them. Since its founding by a Bronx teacher in 2000, more than 3 million people and partners have given $821 million to projects reaching 33 million students. Unique among crowdfunding platforms, the DonorsChoose.org team vets each project request and ships resources directly to the school. Every donor receives photos of their project in action, thank-yous from the classroom, and a cost report showing how every dollar was spent. DonorsChoose.org was the first charity to make the top 10 on Fast Company’s list of the Most Innovative Companies in the World. Visit www.donorschoose.org to learn more.

About A+ Education Partnership

A+ Education Partnership is a statewide, non-profit, nonpartisan organization that drives improvements in public education for every Alabama student. It sets and delivers high expectations by advocating for policies, practices, and investments that advance learning, and by partnering with schools to build the capacity of teachers and leaders. Through its two programs, A+ College Ready and the Alabama Best Practices Center, it works with schools across Alabama to raise expectations and improve learning for all students so that every child in Alabama has the opportunity and the support to succeed in school and to become a contributing member of society.