AT&T donates $81,000 to TN Colleges of Applied Technology to support improved student training in Information Technology

For the second consecutive year, AT&T has donated $81,000 to the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology to enhance student training programs in Computer Information Technology, which will help address critical workforce development needs throughout Tennessee.

Funded through AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, the donation will provide each of the 26 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) offering CIT courses at least $3,000 to purchase new wireless networking setups used to teach infrastructure design, security and planning, and to practice implementing and protecting networks and operating plans. As a result, students will have expanded opportunities to learn the skills they need for careers in information technology fields.

“Through AT&T Aspire, we are focused on developing a 21st century workforce that can promote continued prosperity and a stronger economy across Tennessee,” said Joelle Phillips, president of AT&T Tennessee. “We are excited to continue our support for the TCATs and to help more students gain the high-demand skills necessary to compete for quality job opportunities. AT&T strongly supports Tennessee’s Drive to 55 goal of raising postsecondary outcomes, and we are delighted to partner with the TCATs to empower more students to reach their highest potential.”

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are part of the College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings thanked AT&T for its generosity.

“We are grateful to AT&T and its continued support of public higher education and our students, who will benefit greatly from the company’s generosity,” Tydings said. “Tennessee needs more Information Technology professionals to fill the surging number of jobs today and ahead. This contribution from AT&T will help our technical colleges provide the critical training, on the newest technology, that students need for these jobs. Our students, their families, and our state will benefit for generations to come.”

AT&T’s 2017 donation of $81,000 allowed the TCATs to purchase network storage units and hard disk drives that are providing Computer Information Technology students new opportunities to learn essential skills for cloud computing, systems administration and network backups. The 2018 contribution will build on that momentum and expand students’ knowledge and skills even further.

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 signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.