In an effort to help STEM students across the state, AT&T recently announced that it has awarded the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation $10,500 — to be used by county vocational-technical school graduates who plan on studying technology and cybersecurity at a county or state college in the fall.
If the total amount seems unusual, here’s why: The contribution will enable the NJAC Foundation to award one $500 scholarship to a student nominated by the superintendent of their school in all 21 counties. All award recipients must plan on pursuing a certificate or degree in cybersecurity, computer information systems, data analytics, database management, computer science or a related field of study.
Joe Divis, president of AT&T New Jersey, said the company is glad to be able to help.
“There’s a great need for employees who have strong technology skills in New Jersey and around the country,” he said. “We’re glad to team up with NJAC to help prepare the next generation of technology leaders in New Jersey.”
Divis said AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives.
As part of a companywide, $2 billion commitment from 2021-23 to address the digital divide, AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, AT&T committed to programs that help millions of students across the country and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
Heather Simmons, president of the NJAC Foundation, said the organization is grateful.
“On behalf of the board of trustees of the NJAC Foundation, I’m thrilled that AT&T has awarded the foundation this generous contribution — and I look forward to working with our county vocational-technical schools in selecting scholarship winners committed to advancing their education in the great state of New Jersey,” she said.
This article originally appeared on April 26, 2023 in ROI-NJ.
