A $10,000 AT&T Aspire contribution to the Ivy Tech Foundation has provided a technology boost to an Ivy Tech Community College data and security program aimed at high school students.
The foundation will utilize its AT&T funding to purchase rout-
ers, allowing the community college to fully implement a state-of-the-art Data and Cyber Security Computer Lab in its computing and informatics program. Ivy Tech plans to recruit 100 current Early College and Dual Credit high school students from Northwest Indiana to participate in the program each semester.
“This is a win-win for our community,” said Ivy Tech Community College Lake County Campus Chancellor R. Louie Gonzalez. “With this support from AT&T, we’re not only cultivating a higher quality workforce, we’re also helping to decrease the drop-out rate by keeping kids engaged in learning about interesting potential careers.”
The local high school students will assemble the routers on their own; the technology will then be used to complement classroom and lab activities.
“This backing from AT&T is paramount, as the college works closely with dual credit students – particularly those who face social or economic challenges – to encourage them to take rigorous college-level coursework that prepares them for possible careers in computing and informatics,” said Ivy Tech Foundation Executive Director of Resource Development Cindy Hall.
AT&T invests in education and job training to create a skilled and diverse workforce that powers the company – and our country – for the future. Through the AT&T Aspire initiative, AT&T helps provide access to education and the training people need to get and keep good jobs. Since 2008, the company has committed $450 million to programs to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world. AT&T Aspire brings together the power of its network – employees, technology and organizations – to connect people to opportunities through education and job training.
“For our state and country to succeed in the 21st century, our workforce needs the right skills,” said AT&T Indiana Director of External Affairs Richard Leverett. “So, we’re proud to support efforts like this, which are creating opportunities for young people to expand their technology talents and move in to rewarding careers.”
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 sign- ature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $450 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
About Ivy Tech
Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves communities across Indiana, providing world-class education and driving economic transformation. It is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering high-value degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities, along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
