Press Release

For more information, contact:

Jessica Erickson, AT&T
608.692.5340
Jessica.Erickson@att.com

We Are HOPE Receives $2,500 AT&T Innovation Award to

Supports its Be Smart about Education Program
Program Provides Career Guidance to Help High School Students and Their
Families Make Educated Choices about Career & Post-Secondary Education Options
STURGEON BAY, Thursday, June 23, 2016 We Are HOPE, Inc. was presented with a $2,500 AT&T
Innovation & Investment Award to help support its Be Smart about Education program during an event at the
Door County Job Center in Sturgeon Bay today.
The goal of the Be Smart about Education program is to provide career counseling and guidance to help high
school students and their families make educated choices about career and post-secondary education options.
Last year, AT&T also provided a $3,000 donation to support the program, for a total of $5,500 in donations.
To be successful in todays economy, both education and training are necessary, said Sandy Duckett, CEO of
We Are HOPE, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals who seek employment and career
services. Our mission is to provide students and families with career and education counseling and guidance as
they find their own career path.
Last summer, We Are HOPE released the results of a study conducted in partnership with Matousek &
Associates, Nicolet Bank and Humana on how college debt is impacting the lives of families and the overall
economy. From there, Be Smart about Education was created to provide an in-depth look at the survey results
and provide career services and strategies to help support individuals as they find their career path and help
reduce their debt.
As a company, AT&T is committed to investing in education and helping prepare our young people for future
success, said Scott T. VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. We want to make sure our students are
ready to be successful in both education and the workforce.

The Be Smart about Education program is designed to:

Provide career guidance to individuals and families on career planning;

Bring awareness to the negative impact of college debt on our economy;
Build a coalition to make positive change in how we finance education; and
Influence public policy to reduce interest rates on college debt and options for refinancing.

The rising cost of college debt is a serious concern for individuals, families and our economy, said State Rep.
Joel Kitchens. I commend We Are HOPE for leading the discussion on this subject in Door County and
providing our students with career guidance and support as they discover their own career and education path.
The AT&T Wisconsin Innovation & Investment Award program provides funding to local organizations that
enhance and give back to their communities. The program is focused on awarding grants to organizations and
programs that improve the community by advancing education, enhancing the environment, promoting economic
development or delivering other community services.
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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 2013, more than $130
million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&Ts signature
education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism,
and mentoring.
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countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be
limited/restricted in some countries.