PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "A college education is the beginning of my future. An education will open the gateway of opportunities that will lead me to success," says Greeta, a junior at George Washington High School in Philadelphia.
College Possible launched this year in Philadelphia, partnering with four local high schools and community members to make the college dreams of Greeta and hundreds of other Philadelphia-area students a reality.
Because of its demonstrated success supporting and motivating traditionally underserved students to prepare for their next step in life, College Possible is one of 30 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $12.5 million from AT&T. The organization, which provides programs and services in several cities, including Philadelphia, received an $899,901 contribution for all sites, with $200,000 earmarked for College Possible Philadelphia.
The contribution was announced during a special event at Parkway Center City High School in Philadelphia.
These contributions are a part of AT&T Aspire, the company's signature education initiative focused on school success and career readiness. With an unwavering commitment to data-driven education outcomes, AT&T Aspire has impacted more than one million students since its launch in 2008.
"Since we launched Aspire, we've worked with several organizations across the City of Philadelphia to inspire students in the city to stay in school so they're prepared for college and careers," said J. Michael Schweder, president of AT&T Mid-Atlantic. 'We're excited to add College Possible to the roster of organizations that are doing great things for children in Philadelphia and in Upper Darby."
In addition to students and school staff, Schweder joined Terri White, Higher Education Advisor, Mayor's Office of Education; Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob Wonderling; and other local officials for the announcement.
Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke said: "Now more than ever, Philadelphia public schools need outside partners like College Possible Philadelphia to help support students who seek direction and guidance to get to college. All children, regardless of their background, deserve an opportunity to pursue success in their education and career. I am grateful to AT&T and College Possible Philadelphia for providing assistance to the hard-working staff in these schools who are working to ensure our most worthy students realize their dream of a college education."
"College Possible is helping Upper Darby High School fulfill its important mission to empower our students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their full potential," said Upper Darby Mayor Thomas Micozzie. "AT&T's support is enabling College Possible to make students' futures bright."
"The future competitiveness and economic prosperity of our city and the region are dependent upon having a skilled workforce with the education and training to thrive in the new economy," Wonderling said. "In fact, it's a focus of the chamber's Roadmap for Growth campaign. Technology companies like AT&T and others need a pipeline of workers who are equipped with the skills and experiences that are essential for success. AT&T's contribution to College Possible is great news."
Through a competitive request for proposal process, 30 schools, school districts and non-profits, including College Possible, were selected from more than 1,100 nationwide. Programs were evaluated based on their effectiveness in helping students graduate ready for career or college. Selected programs use evidence-based approaches to serve students and are able to demonstrate quantitative results.
A component of AT&T's collaboration with College Possible Philadelphia supports student mentoring. Research has shown that a caring adult in a young person's life impacts their success. According to a recent report, students with mentors are more likely to aspire to enroll in and graduate from college than those without mentors (76 percent vs. 56 percent).
"In our first year of programming in Philadelphia, College Possible is adapting our proven national model to a new city," said Wyneshia Foxworth, executive director. "Our coaches, recent college graduates, are eager to work with students to cover the basics and give them resources to navigate the college process. The AT&T Aspire contribution is helping College Possible have an impact on our students today that will be seen for generations."
AT&T Aspire funding recipients include non-profits, schools and school districts around the country that will expand programs to serve additional students, to add components to strengthen the program, or to replicate in new locations. Many of the awardees deliver integrated student supports, focus on college or career preparation, and/or provide mentoring or peer-to-peer supports to help students succeed in academics and beyond.
AT&T Aspire funding will support College Possible's high school programming, in which coaches guide students through all the aspects of preparing for, applying to and enrolling in college. 98% of College Possible students earn admission to college, and students are ten times more likely to graduate from college than their low-income peers. A recent Harvard University evaluation shows that College Possible's approach is effective and that students served are significantly more likely to enroll in a four-year college.
In its first year in Philadelphia, College Possible coaches are working intensively with junior students across three city high schools: Parkway Center City High School, West Philadelphia High School, George Washington High School; and at Upper Darby High School in Delaware County.
About Philanthropy 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.
About College Possible:
College Possible is a nationally-growing nonprofit organization making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. Learn more at http://www.collegepossible.org/.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.
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