July 31, 2018
The Shawnee State University Development Foundation is pleased to announce that AT&T has made a $10,000 AT&T Aspire contribution in support of SSU’s Bridge to Success program.
Through the AT&T Aspire initiative, AT&T helps provide access to education and training people to get and keep good jobs. Since 2008, the company has committed $400 million to programs to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world. Funds from the AT&T Aspire contribution will be used to support orientation, academic programming and social programming for the Bridge to Success students.
“I sincerely applaud Shawnee State for their efforts with the Bridge to Success program by reaching out to students and helping them build their own future,” said State Representative Doug Green. “Also, the willingness of AT&T to partner in their program is vital as we look at opportunities to work together.”
In addition to developmental courses, students are enrolled in an Academic Developmental Skills course to cover study skills, money management, time management, organization and college life.
“For our state to continue to succeed in the 21st century, our workforce needs the right skills,” said State Senator Joe Uecker. “By supporting SSU students in this program, AT&T is creating opportunities for young people to move into rewarding careers.”
The impact of the Bridge to Success program is critical for preparing at-risk incoming students. Through it, students are introduced to university expectations, degree requirements and career pathways.
“This contribution helps us to be able to offer the Bridge to Success program to next year’s incoming students without having to raise the cost to students. In particular, the $10,000 will enable us to continue to provide residential services to students from outside of the region at no cost to them,” said Dr. Chris Kacir, Dean of University College.
During the program’s pilot year, retention among those in Bridge to Success was 17% higher than students with two or more academic developmental needs who did not participate in the program.
“It’s a pleasure to support programs like this that have demonstrated success,” said AT&T Ohio External Affairs Director BJ Smith. “Backing education efforts in Ohio are critical to developing our talent pipeline and for society.”
To learn more about AT&T’s Aspire Fund, go to this link.
To learn more about SSU’s Bridge to Success program, contact 740-351-3299 or go to this link.