AT&T Announces $10,000 AT&T Aspire Contribution in Support of Digital Works Job Skills Development Program
Somerset, Oh. (December 15, 2018) - AT&T today announced that it has made a $10,000 AT&T Aspire contribution to Connected Nation, which will be utilized by the organization’s state affiliate, Connect Ohio, to support the “Digital Works” job skills development program.
The ultimate goal of Digital Works is to bring high-demand technology-based jobs to communities with vulnerable demographic and geographic populations. Using the digital learning model established by Connected Nation, the program trains, places and mentors both high school and adult students for in-demand workforce opportunities. It bridges job opportunities with people seeking employment by identifying and addressing skill gaps and leveraging broadband technology for customer relationship management outsourcing and advanced IT positions that can be performed remotely.
Earlier this week, Connect Ohio kicked off its first Digital Works “boot camp” at the Somerset Innovation Gateway, a new initiative of the Village of Somerset. Assisted by federal, state, county and educational leaders, the Gateway is intended to help the region adapt to the decline of traditional mining and manufacturing employment. One of the key strategies of its programming is to grow the community’s internet access, its exposure to technology and the opportunity for residents to hold technology-based jobs.
Today marked graduation day for the students who participated in the training. Two more digital boot camps will be conducted in 2018 in additional southeastern Ohio communities.
“It’s important for residents of rural areas like Perry County to have access to training in technology,” said State Sen. Jay Hottinger. “The information shared in this workshop could lead to online jobs or other opportunities in the future.”
“Corporate support like this helps us open the eyes of people who may not know they are a good fit for technology jobs,” said Connect Ohio Executive Director Stu Johnson. “This is an empowering program for local residents and we truly appreciate AT&T recognizing its value.”
Digital Works focuses on job, work and life skills, as well as career exploration and success. It aims to address barriers that have traditionally impeded an individual’s ability to secure and maintain meaningful employment and achieve economic sustainability. Success is measured by the number of participants trained with digital literacy skills for placement in telework positions
“I’ve learned things that will help me get a job in a computer-based business,” said Digital Works Graduate Elizabeth Craig of Roseville. “It’s been great.”
AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire drives innovation in education – through technology, social innovation and relationships – to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
“Education is the best investment we can make to ensure that young people and adults have the skills they need to enter the workforce or to go on to higher education,” said AT&T Ohio Director of External Affairs B.J. Smith. “Through AT&T Aspire, we aim to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.”
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
For more information, contact:
Tina Noel
AT&T Indiana and Ohio Public Affairs
317.777.0559 or tina.noel@att.com
The ultimate goal of Digital Works is to bring high-demand technology-based jobs to communities with vulnerable demographic and geographic populations. Using the digital learning model established by Connected Nation, the program trains, places and mentors both high school and adult students for in-demand workforce opportunities. It bridges job opportunities with people seeking employment by identifying and addressing skill gaps and leveraging broadband technology for customer relationship management outsourcing and advanced IT positions that can be performed remotely.
Earlier this week, Connect Ohio kicked off its first Digital Works “boot camp” at the Somerset Innovation Gateway, a new initiative of the Village of Somerset. Assisted by federal, state, county and educational leaders, the Gateway is intended to help the region adapt to the decline of traditional mining and manufacturing employment. One of the key strategies of its programming is to grow the community’s internet access, its exposure to technology and the opportunity for residents to hold technology-based jobs.
Today marked graduation day for the students who participated in the training. Two more digital boot camps will be conducted in 2018 in additional southeastern Ohio communities.
“It’s important for residents of rural areas like Perry County to have access to training in technology,” said State Sen. Jay Hottinger. “The information shared in this workshop could lead to online jobs or other opportunities in the future.”
“Corporate support like this helps us open the eyes of people who may not know they are a good fit for technology jobs,” said Connect Ohio Executive Director Stu Johnson. “This is an empowering program for local residents and we truly appreciate AT&T recognizing its value.”
Digital Works focuses on job, work and life skills, as well as career exploration and success. It aims to address barriers that have traditionally impeded an individual’s ability to secure and maintain meaningful employment and achieve economic sustainability. Success is measured by the number of participants trained with digital literacy skills for placement in telework positions
“I’ve learned things that will help me get a job in a computer-based business,” said Digital Works Graduate Elizabeth Craig of Roseville. “It’s been great.”
AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire drives innovation in education – through technology, social innovation and relationships – to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
“Education is the best investment we can make to ensure that young people and adults have the skills they need to enter the workforce or to go on to higher education,” said AT&T Ohio Director of External Affairs B.J. Smith. “Through AT&T Aspire, we aim to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.”
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
For more information, contact:
Tina Noel
AT&T Indiana and Ohio Public Affairs
317.777.0559 or tina.noel@att.com