AT&T Foundation Grants $100,000 to American Indian College Fund to Support Native Scholarships

DENVER, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The AT&T Foundation contributed $100,000 to the American Indian College Fund (the Fund) to provide scholarship support for Native students in the American West studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or business at the nation's tribal colleges and universities.

Tom Brooks, Vice President of AT&T External Affairs Operations, announced the gift on behalf of the AT&T Western Region during the 2013 National Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brooks said, "We know that education has been an issue that has been top of mind for not only our country, but in Native communities. We are here today to help be part of the solution to help increase high school retention and success, as well as support programs that support students as they reach their goals beyond high school. It is through proven, successful programs like those at American Indian College Fund that AT&T feels it can advance education, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed regardless of their circumstances or situations; strengthen communities, creating the leaders and workforce of tomorrow; and improve lives, creating opportunities for economic stability and success...Because of its solid record of proven results, today we present the American Indian College Fund with a $100,000 AT&T contribution to support the education of students in the West."

Dr. Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund said, "The American Indian College Fund is delighted to accept this gift from our longtime partner AT&T. As you know, because of financial hurdles, American Indian students are the least likely to obtain a college degree in the country, resulting in their talents being underutilized. A college education helps Native students realize their potential in the fields of science, engineering, teaching, medicine, and anything they can dream of doing. As our people achieve their educational goals, they also become role models and leaders in our communities. AT&T's financial support for the American Indian College Fund's mission of educating the mind and spirit of our bright young Native people helps provide them with access to a tribal college education."

About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2011, more than $115 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. ^©2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

About the American Indian College Fund
With its credo "Educating the Mind and Spirit," The American Indian College Fund is the premier scholarship organization for Native students. Created in 1989 to provide scholarships and support for the nation's 34 tribal colleges, the Fund receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, and received its third consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator. It provides more than 3,500 Native students with scholarships annually.  

SOURCE American Indian College Fund