DANVILLE, Va., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the importance of finding solutions to keeping Danville's students in school and staying on track to graduate, AT&T* and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Danville Area (BGCda) today teamed up to announce a contribution from the AT&T Foundation to support the Pathways to Graduation program.

The $25,000 contribution from AT&T will help provide one-on-one and small group help to at-risk students, allowing them to stay current with schoolwork while they are suspended from school.

"We are so pleased to be a part of this initiative to partner with AT&T and the Danville Public Schools, as well as Danville Pittsylvania Community Services and the local juvenile justice system. It fits with our mission to enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring adults," said Don Nodtvedt, executive director and chief professional officer for BGCda. "Many times, young people simply need to recognize that someone cares about them and their future – lives can be dramatically changed, as we have seen over and over again at the Boys and Girls Club."

Vince Apruzzese, regional vice president for AT&T in Virginia, said the Pathways to Graduation project is aligned with AT&T's ongoing efforts to promote high school success and workforce readiness for Virginia's students.

"Projects like the Pathways to Graduation initiative are one way to equip students for success in high school and the work place," said Apruzzese. "Our goal is to help the Danville community help at-risk students stay in school and find the pathway to a lifetime of success."

Virginia Delegate Danny Marshall was on hand for the event today and said the project is important not only for the students but for the economic vitality of the region.

"A student's decision to drop out of school has broad implications not only for the individual, but for our entire region," said Marshall. "We appreciate AT&T's support of our local efforts to keep at-risk students on the path to graduation so they can contribute to the economic vitality of our community."

The initiative brings together several local organizations that will work collaboratively to help the Pathways students earn a diploma.

Danville Public Schools will provide a program administrator/teacher to oversee academic instruction and act as a liaison with the students' schools. BGCda also will collaborate with Danville Pittsylvania Community Services to provide evidence-based prevention programs to address behavioral issues. And, the Danville Department of Juvenile Justice will refer to Pathways to Graduation Program students who have become involved in the justice system and who would benefit from the help offered in the program.

The contribution from AT&T will allow these local organizations to help students stay in school and obtain high school diplomas. This pilot program will coincide with 2011-12 school year, with plans to maintain and expand the program during each school year.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: [ T ]) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at [ http://www.att.com ]. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at [ http://www.att.com/newsroom ] and as part of an RSS feed at [ www.att.com/rss ]. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners

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 working with other organizations, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2010, more than $148.2 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

About the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Danville Area

The Mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Danville Area is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Our vision is that by being committed to the successful development of youth in our region, we can not only affect the lives of those young people that we touch, but we can transform our community, one young life at a time. Transformation often begins at a "grass-roots" or introductory level, and continues as an on-going process. By reaching children at a receptive age, the Clubs can play a significant role in positioning positive "building blocks" of personal character that will be foundational to the child as he or she grows and is faced with life-altering decisions. As these young people grow into adulthood, they will be able to take their place as successful citizens of our region, thus making a positive impact on the community where they live, work and worship. Learn more by visiting [ www.bgcdanville.org ]

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

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AT&T, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Danville Area Team Up to Help Local Students Stay on Pathway to Graduation

AT&T, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Danville Area Team Up to Help Local Students Stay on Pathway to Graduation