AT&T Invests $4.5 Million in the Future of Education For At-Risk Students

October 29, 2015 /3BL Media/ - Communities In Schools (CIS), the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization, today announced a substantial contribution from AT&T to support its efforts to help students achieve in school, graduate and go on to college and career success.

As part of the company’s signature education initiative, AT&T Aspire, AT&T contributed $4.5 million to the future of the 1.5 million at-risk students served by Communities In Schools. The multi-year investment will support advancement in data collection, technology, research and evaluation, as well as continued site coordinator support and mentoring by AT&T employees.

“AT&T’s continued support and contribution to our work plays a vital role in helping us change the picture for low-income children who now make up the majority of students in America’s public schools.” said Dan Cardinali, president of Communities In Schools. "This investment enables us to expand the delivery of CIS’ proven model to schools across the nation.”

Communities In Schools is committed to combating obstacles to graduation and leveling the playing field so that students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching. Working directly inside those schools, CIS site coordinators identify students at risk of dropping out, assess what non-academic barriers are preventing them from learning and then connect them with community services. Those services might include food, clothing, housing, medical and dental care, mental health services, tutoring and mentoring.

“Our goal is to remove barriers to academic success, and help all students — regardless of age, gender, income or zip code — make their biggest dreams a reality,” said Nicole Anderson, Executive Director of Philanthropy at AT&T. “Communities In Schools surrounds students with the vital supports they need to realize these dreams, and this new funding will help more students experience the welcome embrace that CIS offers.”

Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided generous support to Communities In Schools and its local affiliates. As part of this latest contribution, more than $1 million will help expand mentoring opportunities through Aspire Mentoring Academy — the employee engagement initiative of AT&T Aspire – to an additional 7,600 CIS students.

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. In 2014, nearly $127 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 Communities In Schools:
Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization, dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help students succeed in school and achieve in life. Operating in more than 2,400 schools in the most challenged communities of 25 states and the District of Columbia, Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.5 million young people and their families each year.  Based directly inside schools throughout the country, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to basic and critical educational and community-based resources, tailored to each student’s specific needs.  Learn more about Communities In Schools at www.CommunitiesInSchools.org.