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Native American Youth Programs Receive More than $1 Million from AT&T to Help Students Graduate and Succeed in CollegeDALLAS, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate Native American Heritage Month, AT&T is furthering its commitment to Indian Country with more than $1 million dollars in contributions to connect Native youth to education that leads them to the 21st century workforce. The contribution includes $600,000 to the American Indian College Fund (College Fund) and $450,000 to George Washington University (GW). For the past 23 years, AT&T has set out to help Native American students graduate from high school and get to college. Native Americans have the lowest high school graduation rates of any demographic in this country. To combat this, AT&T contributed $7.5 million over the last 5 years to support education in the Native community. This more than $1 million contribution will build on the company's long history of support for the communities of Indian Country.
"American Indians face many unique challenges to getting an education. And Native youth experience some of the lowest high school graduation rates nationwide," said Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO, American Indian College Fund. "This continued support from our longtime collaborator, AT&T, will allow the College Fund to help more students get a high school diploma and access postsecondary education alongside opportunities to learn about their language, culture and history." "We're excited to establish a unique center in Washington, D. C., to study Native America politics and policy, and we are grateful for AT&T's support," said Ali Eskandarian, dean of GW's College of Professional Studies. "This is an important opportunity for the university in its continued commitment to diversity." The Native high school graduation rate in 2013-14 was 69.6 percent, the lowest high school graduation rate of any demographic in this country. The national high school graduation rate was 82.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. The contribution from AT&T seeks to help Native students overcome these barriers. Other examples of the company's commitment to enhancing the education and quality of life for Native American youth include:
"AT&T has a long history of supporting Indian Country, and we're proud to be a part of initiatives that are improving Native communities' quality of life by creating the leaders and workforce of tomorrow," said Tom Brooks, vice president of external affairs, AT&T. "The latest contributions continue AT&T's commitment to supporting and connecting Native American communities and building a diverse pipeline of tech talent." About the American Indian College Fund About the George Washington University Native American Political Leadership Program The George Washington University's Native American Political Leadership Program (NAPLP) and the INSPIRE Pre-College Program provide one-of-a-kind opportunities for college and high school students to explore academic interests at a top research university. Challenging credit courses are enriched by the intellectual and cultural resources of Washington, DC and taught by GW faculty and field experts. As part of their experience in these programs, participants have the opportunity to meet with influential Native advocates who live and work in Washington, D.C. NAPLP and INSPIRE's goal is to familiarize upcoming Native youth leaders with essential concepts of American politics and intergovernmental relations, so they may have a clear path as they begin to plan their careers in politics, advocacy and community organizing. The Center for Indigenous Politics & Policy (CIPP) creates the mechanism for researching issues, assisting and providing support to tribal leaders, and promoting public awareness on issues of national political significance to indigenous communities including public health, adequate housing, economic security, and education. About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440264-INFO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/CG99935LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/native-american-youth-programs-receive-more-than-1-million-from-att-to-help-students-graduate-and-succeed-in-college-300364580.html SOURCE AT&T Inc. |