Education Leaders Welcome National Social Innovator Genesys Works to World's Tech Epicenter -- San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydra Mendoza, San Francisco Mayor's Education Advisor and Board of Education Commissioner, joined by Ken McNeely, President of AT&T-California, and Carmen Chu, Supervisor-District 4, announced the launch of Genesys Works in the Bay Area today at City Hall. The leaders were on hand to support the nationally recognized non-profit, which with a $1 million contribution from AT&T will increase learning opportunities for underrepresented high school seniors. These teens will gain work experience by working side by side with cutting edge tech and major corporations in the region.

"San Francisco is the epicenter of our nation's technology sector, and it is important we encourage our students to take part in this thriving economy," said San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation (sf.citi) Chairman Ron Conway. Sf.citi was created to leverage the power of the technology community around civic action in San Francisco, and AT&T is a Founding Board Member. "AT&T's contribution to Genesys Works is another excellent example of how technology companies can play a huge role in making our City a better place for everyone. The relationship between AT&T and Genesys Works is a real game-changer for the students in our community and it will have a significant life-changing impact on many underserved teens who can now gain access to the companies that drive our economy and our future."

AT&T's commitment to Genesys Works will support a new facility in the Bay Area and connecting youth to the region's booming technology sector, as well as program effectiveness, best practices, and other new initiatives that will help the organization scale its impact across the country. The contribution is part of AT&T Aspire, which includes a $350 million commitment to education initiatives focused on innovation and technology to address drop-out rates, college readiness, and career opportunities for high school students.

"From a business perspective, there is no greater investment than an investment in our children. Their innovative spirit, drive and forward-thinking hold the key to our future and our country's ability to compete in the global economy," said McNeely. "At AT&T, we are thrilled to support Genesys Works, which connects the tech economy with youth who need access to better opportunities to succeed."

"We are grateful to AT&T for its generous contribution in helping us expand our network to students in the Bay Area," said Rafael Alvarez, founder and CEO of Genesys Works. "With their support we can change the life trajectory of vulnerable students who live in one of the most advanced regions in the world and help them believe a professional, meaningful career is within reach."

Genesys Works' innovative model has received wide recognition across the globe. Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine named its founder, Rafael Alvarez, on the publication's inaugural "Impact 30" list of the world's top social entrepreneurs. When President Obama launched the White House Office of Social Innovation, Genesys Works was profiled as an example of social innovation that should be replicated across America. Alvarez has spoken about the Genesys Works model across the U.S. at universities, including Harvard and Rice, and has been the guest of government and educational leaders in Ireland to discuss solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.

About Genesys Works

Genesys Works, established in Houston in 2002, and now with locations in the Bay Area, Chicago and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that engages inner-city high school students to break through barriers and discover through meaningful internship experiences that they can succeed as professionals in the corporate world.

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.

SOURCE Genesys Works