Supporting 8th graders through high school and beyond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BOSTON, Mass—October 26, 2015—If a child can succeed in the 8th grade, he or she has a greater chance of graduating high school, attending college and securing a good-paying job. That’s why AT&T is supporting Citizen Schools’ expansion of its national 8th Grade Academy (8GA) program this fall with a $250,000 contribution through AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature education initiative.
Launched 20 years ago, Citizen Schools is a national educational nonprofit focused on extending the learning day for high-need middle school students by providing direct instruction and support in key subjects, and project-based apprenticeships taught by volunteers from local businesses.
Citizen Schools’ 8th Grade Academy program (8GA) is a bridge between middle school and high school, providing basic and real-world skills students need to transition successfully to high school and graduate. An analysis of 8GA outcomes in Boston finds participants are far more likely to attend, stay enrolled and graduate from high school in four years.
Launched in 2008, AT&T Aspire brings AT&T employees, nonprofits and community members together to help equip students with the skills they need to lead the digital, global economy.
Media Contact:
Matt Ellis
Ellis Strategies, Inc. matt@ellisstrategies.com | 617-278-6560
About Citizen Schools
Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities. Citizen Schools mobilizes a team of AmeriCorps educators and volunteer “Citizen Teachers” to teach real-world learning projects and provide academic support in order to help all students discover and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit http://www.citizenschools.org/
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation 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 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.