AT&T:

Ellen Webner
201-532-7292 (cell)
Ellen.webner@att.com
Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation:
Jim Dandeneau
Director of Communications
Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation
Cell: (347) 738-3571
jdandeneau@sasfny.org

SPORTS & ARTS IN SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TACKLE LOW

GRADUATION RATES WITH $300,000 FROM AT&T
One of 30 Recipients of AT&T Aspire nearly $12.5 million Contribution to
Programs Across U.S.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y., DEC., 11, 2014 - It takes caring professionals and a relentless focus on
results to put students at risk of dropping out of high school on the path to graduation. Because of its
demonstrated success supporting and motivating traditionally underserved students to stay in school
and prepare for their next step in life; the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF) has been named
as one of 30 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $12.5 million from AT&T.
These contributions are a part of AT&T Aspire, the companys signature education initiative focused on
school success and career readiness. With an unwavering commitment to data-driven education
outcomes, AT&T Aspire has impacted more than 1 million students since its launch in 2008.
Locally the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation serving Thornton High School in Mount Vernon has
been selected to receive funding to support programs to keep high school students in school who are at
risk of dropping out. The programs goals are to increase the rate of students who pass the 9th grade,
complete high school in four years and go on to college.
The Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation is tremendously proud of the services weve been able to
offer the students of Thornton High School through AT&Ts generous support, said SASF Board
Chairman Ross Sandler. The mentoring program coupled with SASFs proven, targeted intervention at

the very beginning of a students high school career helps to build a better foundation for academic
growth for our students.
AT&T is committed to putting as many students as possible on the path to college and careers, said
Edward Bergstraesser, External Affairs Director New York, AT&T. That means doing what we can to
see to it that at-risk students have all the support and resources they need to achieve their educational
goals. We are honored to support these three organizations with a track record of changing life
outcomes for students in high need communities.
Through a competitive request for proposal process, 30 schools, school districts and non-profits,
including Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation was selected from more than 1,100 nationwide.
Programs were evaluated based on their effectiveness in helping students graduate ready for career or
college. Selected programs use evidence based approaches to serve students and are able to
demonstrate quantitative results.
A component of AT&Ts collaboration with Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation supports student
mentoring. Research has shown that a caring adult in a young person's life impacts their success.
According to a recent report, students with mentors are more likely to aspire to enroll in and graduate
from college than those without mentors (76 percent vs. 56 percent).
AT&T Aspire funding recipients include non-profits, schools and school districts around the country that
will expand programs to serve additional students, to add components to strengthen the program, or to
replicate in new locations. Many of the awardees deliver integrated student supports, focus on college
or career preparation, and/or provide mentoring or peer-to-peer supports to help students succeed in
academics and beyond.
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&Ts signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse
resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.