As part of a nationwide effort to keep students in school and prepare them for success, J. Michael Schweder, president of AT&T Pennsylvania, today joined Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato to announce a $100,000 AT&T Aspire Grant to Communities in Schools (CIS) of Pittsburgh-Allegheny County. Schweder also highlighted an AT&T* job shadowing initiative with Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania (JA) and announced a $10,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation to support the organization's initiatives.

"With nearly one-third of U.S. high school students dropping out, or one student dropping out every 26 seconds, there are few higher priorities we should have," said Schweder. "I know how hard Mr. Onorato is working to promote education and economic development here in Allegheny County, and one way to achieve his goals is by supporting and highlighting programs that work. Communities in Schools and Junior Achievement are two great examples of programs that will help keep Allegheny County competitive — and help its kids succeed."

"We are fortunate to have programs such as Communities in Schools and Junior Achievement, which help to inspire our youth, provide them the tools they need to succeed in life, and target those who need extra attention," said Onorato. "I want to thank AT&T for recognizing the success of these programs, and the need to invest in our future generation."

CIS is the nation's largest stay-in-school network. In Pittsburgh, CIS leads the way in creating and managing school/community partnerships that meet students' academic and social needs. The grant will be used to help at-risk students get academic, behavioral and character-building assistance so they can earn a diploma and gain career skills.

"When children drop out of school, they put their own future at risk, and our communities and our nation suffer the consequences," said Nicole Molinaro, executive director of CIS. "At CIS, we help kids stay in school and prepare for life. AT&T is a shining example of how the community can truly take action and make an impact in the lives of educationally at-risk youth. Communities In Schools is excited to be partnering with AT&T on such an exciting initiative."

Earlier in the day, 26 students from Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport, Pa., joined employees from AT&T for a Job Shadow Day, giving them a firsthand look at the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

"AT&T has been a terrific partner of Junior Achievement, here in Allegheny County and around the world. In western Pennsylvania alone, for over 25 years, AT&T employees have volunteered in JA programs in schools, participated in our annual bowl-a-thon, and taken part in our 'Calling For Kids' fundraising campaign. They truly see JA's mission as a vital part of their own mission… to reach out into the community with people who care about our kids and their future. What a remarkable feeling it is to make a difference in a child's life, and AT&T does this through their partnership with JA".

Schweder added, "Working with our local communities, we're investing in our children to help ensure the future competitiveness of our nation. At the same time, we're investing time and talent to strengthen our communities by supporting and promoting education programs that create economic opportunity."

The contribution to CIS is part of the AT&T Foundation's signature initiative, AT&T Aspire, which helps address high school success and workforce readiness. AT&T has committed a total of $100 million in philanthropy through 2011 to schools and nonprofit organizations that are focused on high school retention and better preparing students for college and the workforce. CIS is among more than 170 schools and nonprofit organizations that received grants in the first year of the program.

As one of the largest-ever corporate commitments to high school retention and workforce readiness, the AT&T Aspire program supports proven programs that promote educational success, from the classroom to the workplace. In addition to the high school retention and job shadowing programs, AT&T Aspire is funding initiatives in two other areas:

• The underwriting of national research that will explore the practitioner perspective (teachers, principals, superintendents, school counselors and school board members) on the high school dropout issue.
• Support for 100 state and community dropout prevention summits, including programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and a statewide summit in Harrisburg, in partnership with America's Promise Alliance.

For more information about the AT&T Aspire initiative, please visit www.att.com/education-news.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE^® magazine's lists of the World's Most Admired Companies and America's Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

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