AT&T awards grants to Rowan University for strengthening STEM education

Recognizing the importance of strengthening science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, AT&T has contributed $50,000 to Rowan University's Junior Aim High Academy initiative. The contribution provided 21 under-served high school sophomores from Camden and Gloucester counties (N.J.) the opportunity to participate in a three-week program focused on college prep and STEM careers.

J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic, joined Rowan President Dr. Ali Houshmand during the award session concluding the program on Rowan's Glassboro, N.J., campus on July 25.

"The Aim High program is a great example of what happens when great universities like Rowan and the private sector work together to help under-served students learn about a path to succeed in school and in life," said Schweder. "Our commitment to education and STEM is as much a part of our legacy as our future, and we are thrilled to team up with Rowan to inspire these students to work hard, stay in school and, ultimately, excel in STEM disciplines. We want to help create the next generation of New Jersey's STEM leaders right here in Glassboro."

A joint venture of Rowan University's College of Science and Mathematics and College of Education, Junior Aim High was a three-week program serving 21 high school sophomores from 11 different high schools in Camden and Gloucester counties. Junior Aim High focused on STEM education and developing computer science and computational thinking skills through computer programming and robotics.

Junior Aim High also focused on enhancing the academic, personal-social and career development of participants, with sessions aimed at preparing students for college, such as visits with admissions representatives, federal student aid consultants, and academic and career development specialists. Junior Aim High offered a Parent Program to introduce parents to the process of college admissions, financial aid and scholarships as well.

"AT&T's contribution to the Aim High Academy has opened doors for students in South Jersey," Houshmand said. "It is thanks to supporters such as AT&T that Rowan can continue to develop and offer more K-12 outreach initiatives that introduce students to STEM fields and help prepare them for college and for careers. With its $50,000 donation, AT&T has invested in students and in our collective future."

Added New Jersey Assemblywoman Celeste M. Riley, chairwoman of the State Assembly Higher Education Committee, "I thank AT&T for their donation and involvement in our schools, and I'm excited to see that AT&T knows that investing in this stimulating educational experience for our young provides them with the knowledge to be creative problem solvers."

AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have given more than $97 million to support STEM initiatives since 1987. Projects supported by AT&T contributions range from STEM scholarship programs and science/math-focused summer camps for at-risk youth to hands-on technology labs and elite robotics competitions at the nation's leading universities.

In addition to its overall funding of innovative STEM programs, AT&T remains focused on improving opportunities for STEM learning in K-12 education while helping at-risk youth prepare for work in the 21st century. AT&T has incorporated an emphasis on STEM in the second phase of Aspire, the company's signature education initiative to improve high school graduation rates and better prepare students for college and careers.