AT&T awards $25,000 to Purdue Calumet for nursing distance learning

President, AT&T Indiana, George Fleetwood (right), presents a $25,000 check to Purdue Calumet Undergraduate Nursing Program Coordinator Kathy Nix and Chancellor Howard Cohen.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced Tuesday (12/11) nearly $70,000 in grants to support four Lake County organizations. The company highlighted a $25,000 grant for Purdue University Calumet to deliver distance-learning through a technology-based solution for St. Margaret Mercy Hospital’s and the university’s nursing staff and students.

The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice recommends that at least 66 percent of all registered nurses hold baccalaureate or higher degrees by 2010. Today, only 33 percent of registered nurses have baccalaureate degrees, and 10 percent have a master’s degree. Acting on these recommendations, Purdue Calumet’s School of Nursing has developed an ongoing, educational partnership with all regional hospitals, including St. Margaret Mercy.

“The AT&T grant will allow us to deliver high-level courses in nursing on-site and online to partner hospitals,” Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen said. “Providing access to education through enhanced technology is critical to our students’ needs. Thanks to companies such as AT&T, we are able to provide the high-tech resources needed to enhance education.”

In 2004, Purdue Calumet’s School of Nursing received a highly competitive AT&T Excelerator grant to support a strategic initiative for a pilot technology program between regional hospitals and the university. The program has been extremely successful and has become a national trend and a standardized goal for delivering nursing education. This grant will further improve access and quality of instruction by installing High Definition TV for nursing students and partners via live video conferencing.

During a 12/11 news conference, Prof. Nix discusses the benefit of the AT&T grant.

“The partnership between AT&T and Purdue University Calumet is enhancing education, addressing important health care issues and making our community stronger,” said Indiana Sen. Frank Mrvan.

In addition to the grant awarded to PUC, the AT&T Foundation also recognized three other Lake County organizations with 2007 competitive AT&T Excelerator grants:

• Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Gary received a $20,775 grant to support a program designed to broaden young girls’ knowledge of careers available in the fields of science and mathematics.
• Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana Inc. received nearly $11,500 for the implementation of a wireless voting system to measure interest and effect of the center’s programs on students.
• Brothers Keeper Inc. received nearly $12,000 to support computer training for homeless or indigent men to learn or improve skills necessary to secure employment.

“AT&T is committed to helping organizations leverage technology to improve education and workforce development,” said George S. Fleetwood, president, AT&T Indiana. “We commend all of the local grant recipients for their efforts.”

Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants — totaling more than $47.8 million — to organizations across the country. In 2007, 680 regional and local nonprofit organizations nationwide have benefited from nearly $9 million through the competitive program. This year, the AT&T Foundation expanded the Excelerator grant program for the first time to include AT&T Southeast’s nine-state service area.

The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofits integrate technology into their operations and community outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools in the hands of the underserved populations that the nonprofits work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.

In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.

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About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T
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News Release Date: December 11, 2007