In 2016, AT&T became one of iMentor’s newest corporate collaborators with the announcement of a $150,000 contribution to fund the development and piloting of a mobile app, which will enhance mentor-mentee communication and engagement within our program. AT&T strives to provide students access to technology and other 21st century tools that enhance learning, develop interpersonal skills and prepare students for college success.
The investment is a part of AT&T Aspire – the company’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education to help students succeed in school and beyond. Aspire is accelerating the learning revolution and connecting it with young people who need it most. 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.
During the 2016-17 school year, AT&T is contributing more than $1.3 million to innovative organizations, like iMentor, to help more students explore their potential through mentoring enabled by technology. AT&T recognizes the importance of using technology to mobilize learning. By linking its philanthropic strategy with its technology, AT&T is advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives.
With the shared belief that every student deserves a champion, AT&T is helping to strengthen our mentee-mentor relationships and bring awareness to the power of mentoring. AT&T’s commitment allows our students to realize their full potential. Our collaboration allows us to complement our existing tools with an app that will provide an accessible space for mentors and students to connect and communicate, reinforcing their relationships.
“When mentors connect with young people, both are changed for the better. And when you introduce technology into the equation, they can connect in new ways,” says Nicole Anderson, assistant vice president of Social Innovation at AT&T. “iMentor’s mobile app is designed to provide students and mentors with anytime, anywhere access to connect with one another and develop a strong relationship that will help even more students achieve a bright future.”
“This is my first-year mentoring with iMentor, and I already see how critical it is to stay connected to my mentee. It’s so important that I can communicate with Yancarlos in a way that feels natural to him. iMentor’s mobile app will be a great addition to the program and I like knowing we have my company AT&T to thank,” says Sam Oyekoya, iMentor NYC mentor and AT&T employee.
Our ultimate goal is to increase graduation rates among first-generation college students from low-income communities, and we are grateful to have AT&T as a partner in this effort.
