AT&T Foundation Announces $130,000 Donation to The College System of Tennessee
As part of AT&T’s continuing commitment to supporting quality education across Tennessee, the AT&T Foundation has donated $130,000 to the Foundation for the College System of Tennessee. The grant will be divided equally among the state’s 13 community colleges to provide last-dollar scholarships for minority and underserved students.
“We are grateful to AT&T and its employees for this major donation that will help so many of our economically disadvantaged students achieve their dreams of a college degree,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Most of our financial aid programs cover tuition and mandatory fees but there are other costs of attendance – including textbooks and other learning materials, transportation and childcare -- and unforeseen expenses that arise and create financial barriers. That’s where AT&T’s generosity will help. For many students, it will mean the difference between having to drop out or continuing on to college success.”
While programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect provides tuition-free access to the state’s community colleges, gaps remain that can create a barrier to entry for some students. The AT&T Last Dollar scholarships will aid students with cost of attendance items such as books, childcare, transportation, and other costs associated with attending college that aren’t covered by financial aid programs once tuition is paid. The grants may also be used cover the costs of professional certification exams.
“AT&T is focused on developing a 21st century workforce that can promote continued prosperity and a stronger economy across Tennessee,” said AT&T Tennessee President Joelle Phillips. “We are excited to continue our support of Tennessee’s community colleges to help more students gain the education necessary to compete for quality job opportunities and to empower more students to reach their highest potential.”
The 13 Tennessee Community Colleges are:
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Cleveland State Community College
- Columbia State Community College
- Dyersburg State Community College
- Jackson State Community College
- Motlow State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Northeast State Community College
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Roane State Community College
- Southwest Tennessee Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Walters State Community College
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.