AT&T Contributes $50,000 To Support Pennsylvania Governor's Schools At Carnegie Mellon University And Lehigh University

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Talented high school students from across Pennsylvania will spend the next month on the campuses of two of the state's top universities, building and strengthening their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills and preparing for college and careers.  

This year, AT&T made two contributions totaling $50,000 to support the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Engineering and Technology (PGSE&T) at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., and the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Both programs begin today.

"The students who are participating in the Governor's Schools are the future business and technology leaders for Pennsylvania," said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid-Atlantic, who helped kick off the program at Lehigh University. "For the next month, they will receive intensive hands-on training in STEM subjects from faculty and staff at two world-class universities. These programs are a great way to prepare our students for opportunities in high-demand fields.  Our support of the Governor's Schools is an investment in the future of Pennsylvania."

Pennsylvania Governor's School for Engineering and Technology @ Lehigh University

AT&T this year contributed $25,000 to Lehigh University to support the 2015 PGSE&T program, a four-week, summer residential program for high school students interested in studying technology and mathematics. Students will focus on so-called grand challenges on the cutting edge of scientific inquiry: energy, healthcare/bioengineering, nanotechnology, cybersecurity/military technology, transportation/infrastructure, environment/sustainability, manufacturing/additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and personal electronics.  AT&T contributed $25,000 in 2014 to launch the school last summer.

The program, which runs from June 28, 2015 through July 25, 2015, offers Pennsylvania rising high school seniors an enrichment experience in STEM, cooperative learning, and hands-on laboratory experiences.  On July 16, the students will visit AT&T's Global Network Operations Center (GNOC) in Bedminster, NJ, where they will learn more about AT&T and the skills and expertise the company looks for in new employees.  

Fifty students from 41 high schools across the state are expected to participate.  Forty-four percent of the attendees are females, an often underrepresented population in the fields of engineering and technology.  Thirty-four percent of program participants identify themselves as minorities.

"Lehigh's program will focus on attracting bright high school juniors from across the commonwealth and providing them with a true taste of a rigorous university curriculum," said Patrick Farrell, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "We believe hands-on lab experience; direct faculty contact; and a host of grand challenges will bridge the gap between high school and college and keep them passionate about engineering."

For more information, visit www.lehigh.edu/pgset.

Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences @ Carnegie Mellon University

First held in 1982, PGSS is a rigorous summer program that allows students to engage in the sciences, be challenged intellectually, and develop personally. With admittance based upon merit and not tuition or boarding expenses, PGSS allows students to attend regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

Through private and public funding, including a $25,000 contribution from AT&T this year, PGSS runs as an annual program that fosters scientific thinking, scholarly collaboration, and interpersonal connections in our society, while encouraging women and minority students to consider scientific careers.

"The PGSS Campaign is thrilled to have AT&T as a returning supporter for a third year. Their generous gift will help provide the opportunity for 60 students to study biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics in residence for five weeks this summer at Carnegie Mellon University," said Benjamin R. Campbell, Ph.D, PGSS Campaign vice president.  "The students will choose electives, participate in laboratory activities, and complete a team research project under the guidance of an experienced researcher culminating with a symposium presentation.  Many program alumni cite PGSS as a formative experience on their journey to a STEM career, and we are grateful for the investment AT&T has made in their future." 

This year's program runs from June 28 through July 31, 2015. A local AT&T executive will welcome students and parents to campus on June 28.  In addition, on July 8, students will meet with AT&T employees who will discuss their professional experiences and paths to a STEM-intensive career with AT&T. 

Sixty students from 53 school districts across the state are enrolled.  For more information, visit www.pgsscampaign.org.

Students who are selected to attend the Governor's Schools receive full scholarships, sponsored by the Team PA Foundation, the host universities, and numerous private and corporate donations.  Scholarships cover the costs of housing, meals and all instructional materials.  Families are responsible for transportation to and from the university, personal items and spending money.  Students must commit to living on campus throughout the duration of program.

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 2013, more than $130 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.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.