AT&T Contributes $20,000 to Support Women In Tech Program in Newark
Since 2015, AT&T Contributed More Than $1.5 Million to Organizations in Newark

NEWARK, NJ, Nov. 16, 2021 — As part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide and homework gap, AT&T contributed $20,000 to Per Scholas in Newark to support the organization’s Women in Tech initiative.

“Newark has a growing reputation as a high-tech hub, and the companies that are growing and expanding there need employees with high-tech skills. That’s why we’re supporting Per Scholas, which has a strong record of success in preparing people for careers in technology, especially those from under-served communities,” said Althea Yancy, regional vice president for AT&T External Affairs in New Jersey.

The Per Scholas Newark ‘Women in Tech’ program will recruit around 100 prospective women of color in Newark and the surrounding area for free technology training and employment placement. The program will feature a Women in Tech Table Talk on November 18 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Those interested in virtually attending can register here.

“I’m thankful for AT&T’s sustained commitment to our community and for understanding the importance of women in tech. They have been an outstanding partner in creating solutions that enable our Newark residents with opportunities and pathways to success,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “As we work to bridge the digital divide and ensure that there are good paying career opportunities for our residents, initiatives like the Per Scholas ‘Women in Tech’ program will continue to help move our city forward.”

“At Per Scholas, we believe a thriving workforce starts with equitable access to education. By providing skills training and access to employer networks to individuals often excluded from tech careers, Per Scholas envisions a technology workforce as diverse as the customers it serves. AT&T’s support helps us achieve these goals,” said LaToya Ball Sands, managing director, Per Scholas Newark.

Since 2019, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $100,000 to Per Scholas in Newark, Yancy said.

All told, since 2015, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $1.5 million to organizations in Newark, including support for Invest Newark, the Newark Community Street Team, the United Way of Greater Newark; and the Newark Summer Youth Employment Program.

AT&T is committing more than $2 billion over the next 3 years to bridge the digital divide through affordable broadband offers for both consumers and education institutions, as well as high quality educational resources and community investment through AT&T Connected Learning, a program to connect students to skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to bridge the digital divide and narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.