Muhlenberg One Of Five Pennsylvania Colleges To Share $100,000 In Technology Grants From AT&T
The Grants Will Enhance and Launch Technology-Intensive ProgramsWednesday, February 27, 2008 01:59 PM
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced that five Pennsylvania colleges and universities each will receive $20,000 grants from AT&T to enhance existing or launch new technology-driven programs. J. Michael Schweder, president of AT&T Pennsylvania, said AT&T awarded grants to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Lebanon Valley College in Annville and Widener University in Chester.
“Today’s college students must have access to the latest available technology to better prepare them to succeed in the workplace,” Schweder said. “AT&T is proud to work with these fine institutions to strengthen higher education in Pennsylvania.
In the past year, AT&T has worked closely with other Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations to provide technology equipment and training to Pennsylvanians. Through an AT&T contribution to League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the LNESC in Philadelphia and the Hispanic American Organization in Allentown have received computer equipment and curriculum to help each organization’s constituents receive computer training.
In addition, by working with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley and the Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University, Hispanic entrepreneurs are able to develop business plans to launch new or grow existing businesses. Also, senior citizens in Pittsburgh are receiving computer training thanks to a partnership with the OASIS Institute.
AT&T also has supported programs in Pennsylvania that focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs to enable Pennsylvania’s students to successfully compete with their peers across the United States and around the world.
In 2007, AT&T co-sponsored the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s first STEM Summit. AT&T also contributed to the development of the STEM Center program launched by the Team PA Foundation.
“Our company and our employees are committed to helping position Pennsylvania as a global competitor by supporting programs that equip its citizens with the skills for success,” Schweder said.
The following is a short overview of the programs AT&T is supporting at each institution:
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh — Digital Storytelling Initiative
The project is designed to use technology to improve 21st century skills in underserved elementary students. The faculty in the Instructional Technology Program at Duquesne University will instruct K – 6 teachers of economically disadvantaged children how to create digital stories with innovative technologies. This project is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and dispositions of teachers and their students as they improve their reading, writing, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. These concepts are part of the 21st century skills needed by future workforces.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg — HU Virtual Teacher Program
The HU Virtual Teacher Program will enable students to use animation and gamecreation platforms to create an online tour of the Academic Center and interactive lesson plans. AT&T’s contribution will be targeted at providing professional development activities for faculty members.
Muhlenberg College, Allentown – Information Commons Initiative
With support from AT&T, Muhlenberg College’s Information Commons will provide new services to students, faculty, town users, several local and state organizations and the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) partners. The services will open access to available information, along with the ability to appropriately use information toward the development of new knowledge.
In addition, users/participants in the Information Commons process will be able to demonstrate increased information literacy and technology literacy skills that are transferable and directly applicable to variety lifelong activities. The college can serve as a prototype for the Information Commons concept development within the LVAIC system.
Lebanon Valley College (LVC), Annville – Mobile Usability Initiative
AT&T is working with LVC to support the creation of a mobile usability lab that will enable students in the digital communications program to study the topic of usability as a key component in workforce development and technology instruction.
Widener University, Chester – Introduction to Engineering Workshop
The AT&T contribution will provide the Widener University School of Engineering with the means to educate secondary educators in the local community and region. The Introduction to Engineering workshop is designed to expose program participants to the engineering discipline and career opportunities in technology fields, such as telecommunications. The ultimate objective is to prepare a diverse pool of students to become good citizens and engineers. The goal is measured by the students’ contributions to the solutions of current and future problems and continued interest in learning and contribution to the community throughout their education and professional careers.
Find More Information Online:
Web Site Links: Related Media Kits:
AT&T Web Site
LULAC
Related Releases: Related Fact Sheets:
AT&T Awards More Than $5 Million in College Scholarships to 2,000-Plus Students Nationwide
AT&T 2006 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
AT&T 2008 Corporate Citizenship Brochure
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 supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $129 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.
© 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at
http://www.att.com/newsroom.
