AT&T Supports Post-Secondary Education and Student Leadership

New Concord, OH – AT&T has invested $25,000 in the education of Appalachian Ohio youth through the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Through a grant to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, AT&T’s support will fund post-secondary scholarships across the 32-county region and send high school students to leadership camp this coming summer.

“AT&T’s investment in scholarships for our region’s students speaks to the importance AT&T places on education,” said Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “FAO is pleased to have AT&T as a partner in making sure the region’s students have access to the educational opportunities necessary for success.”

To celebrate AT&T’s investments, B.J. Smith, Director of External Affairs at AT&T, presented Cara Dingus Brook and FAO Board Chair Joy Padgett with the $25,000 check at the Foundation’s annual Child of Appalachia® Celebration at Muskingum University.

“There is no greater investment that any organization can make than in the education of Ohio’s future leaders,” said State Senator Troy Balderson. “The work of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is to be commended, as it keeps our youth on track to graduate high school and prepares them to succeed in college and the workforce.”

AT&T’s funding will support the Wayne White and Bob Evans Legacy Scholarship Fund. Established to honor both men’s tremendous contributions to encouraging continued academic endeavors after high school, the Fund provides scholarships to students pursing post-secondary studies throughout the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. White and Evans were committed to ensuring finances were not a barrier to the ability of the region’s youth to access post-secondary opportunities. The White-Evans Scholarship serves to help all students realize they can pursue post-secondary education, regardless of financial situation.

State Representative Brian Hill knows the importance of this program. He says “Appalachian Ohio will benefit from these students who will become educated and independent learners with powerful problem-solving skills. They will help build a stronger workforce that will aid the economic growth of our great state.”

Additionally, the grant will support students in gaining the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful. Through support to the Foundation’s iBELIEVE Foundation Fund, scholarship support will enable high school student participation in the Ohio Association of Student

Councils (OASC) summer leadership camp. Participating in this camp enables students to gain the necessary soft skills and leadership training critical to current and future success.

“Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways AT&T can support our students’ future, said B.J. Smith, Director, External Affairs, AT&T.  We are proud to help students pursue their educational dreams through our partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.”