The Boys & Girls Club Launches Diploma to Degrees (d2D)

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Launches Diploma to Degrees (d2D)

$15,000 contribution from AT&T helps teens prepare for STEAM careers

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2014) – Officials from AT&T today joined teens from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, D.C., and other community leaders to kick off the club’s Diplomas to Degrees (d2D) initiative, designed to help students prepare for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) careers.

The announcement was made during a special event at FBR Branch @ THEARC. A $15,000 contribution from AT&T will allow the students to engage in experiential learning activities using updated technology.  The students also will develop and build their academic and professional portfolios that will be used to assist them with securing college admissions, internship, and workshop exposure opportunities and STEAM careers.

“Education is our priority. We provide quality programs that raise graduation rates of our members,” said LeVar Jones, teen director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.  “Education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. AT&T’s contribution will help us reach more students in Washington, D.C. We’re excited to team up with the company on the d2D initiative.”

Jones added that the project is part of the club’s Extreme Teens and teen leadership programs (grades 9-12) that focus on education, technology, leadership, character development, and community service.  The programs help youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, applying learning to everyday situations and embracing technology to achieve success in a career.

LaTara Harris, AT&T’s regional director of external affairs, said the program will help create the next generation of innovators in the District of Columbia. “When students graduate from high school, they improve their chances for success in college and careers,” Harris said.  “This program will keep these students engaged in school and on track to graduate, and will help them better prepare for success in college and beyond.  We want to do our part to help the next generation of innovators in Washington, D.C.”

Harris added that the program is aligned with AT&T Aspire, one of the country’s largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers.  In 2012, AT&T announced an additional quarter-billion-dollar expansion to the program, bringing the total commitment to $350 million since the program was launched in 2008. Learn more about AT&T Aspire by visiting www.att.com/aspire.

            

Learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington FBR Branch @ THEARC by visitinghttp://www.bgcgw.org/fbr-branch-thearc/.

About Philanthropy 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. In 2013, more than $130 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring.