Funding to establish education centers in Bay Area and San Diego

Demonstrating its support for education initiatives designed to empower disadvantaged students, the AT&T Foundation – the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. – today announced that it will provide a three-year, $1.5 million grant to the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who are college-eligible and major in a math, engineering or science field.  The funding will be used to establish new program centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego. 

The new centers are part of Project Restore, MESA’s recently-launched effort to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who earn college degrees in mathematics and science by expanding the program to include five new California regions.  In addition to establishing the two program centers, the AT&T Foundation grant will also fund professional development activities for teachers and a scholarship program at a MESA center in Los Angeles.  The two new program centers will strive to increase the academic performance and college readiness of students through intensive, hands-on curricula and academic support network.

 “In order for the next-generation science and technology workforce to be competitive in an increasingly global economy, it is imperative that we equip today’s students with the tools needed for success,” said Michael Aldaco, executive director of MESA and assistant vice president of the University of California which administrates the program. “By providing these tools, we are enriching the educational experience of low-income and minority students and redefining their own career expectations.  The AT&T Foundation grant will enable us to continue this critical mission.”

For the past 35 years, MESA, which is housed at the University of California and works with the California State University and the California Community Colleges, independent colleges and some 300 schools, has provided rigorous, hands-on math and science curriculum, group study courses, academic planning, volunteer opportunities, mentoring and sponsorship for California students ranging from elementary to university levels.  The program currently serves over 21,000 educationally disadvantaged students throughout the state. 

"The California Senate is committed to leading the effort to return the focus back to the basics that matter most: an education system that allows California students to learn and to compete in the global economy," said Senate Pro Tem Don Perata (D – East Bay). "The MESA program does a terrific job of providing students with critical educational support in key technology areas and the new center that will be opening here in the Bay Area will only further MESA's mission of helping more area students graduate in technology disciplines."  

“There is always room to improve the educational opportunities for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny (D- San Diego).  "I am pleased that this grant complements my personal commitment and legislative efforts to help level the playing field and ensure that we create an environment that encourages support of higher education goals."

“AT&T applauds the California Senate, under the leadership of Senators Denise Ducheny and Don Perata, for advancing the educational interests of youth in the communities we serve and encouraging support of higher education goals,” said Yno Gonzalez, President, AT&T Data and Network Services.  “The MESA program has a proven success rate of providing important tools through its programs nationwide.  Through MESA, hundreds of students obtain a strong foundation in the fields of science, math and engineering which is a great catalyst for success in any career. Supporting the growth of MESA is just one way AT&T shows its dedication to enriching the lives of others, especially young people who are on target for educational achievement.”

About the AT&T Foundation
The new AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc., supports programs that build communities and improve access to information technologies, technology training and professional skills development. The new AT&T Foundation will provide more than $60 million in 2006 in charitable contributions, thereby placing it among the top five largest corporate foundations in the country. The new AT&T Foundation combines more than 40 years and $1.7 billion of philanthropic commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 55.8 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at www.att.com.

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