COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced a $7,500 contribution to Communities In Schoolsof Central Ohiohigh school drop out prevention program called The School Resource Coordinator Program.

Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation's leading community-based drop out prevention organization helping kids stay in school and graduate. For almost 20 years in central Ohio, their unique services through The School Resource Coordinator Program have worked within the school setting to identify children and their families who have the most need, and to connect them with support services. CIS School Resource Coordinators work with school administrators and teachers to develop academic and attendance goals and identify specific students who are in need of targeted interventions. The organization is particularly effective in addressing non-academic barriers that prevent students from graduating.

"I am very pleased to hear about the School Resource Coordinator Program, and I commend the partnership between Communities In Schools of Central Ohio and AT&T," said State Representative Michael Stinziano. "Communities In Schools' work to mentor students right here in central Ohio will have a positive impact on the students and their families as they work to stay in school."

Once targeted students are identified, CIS works to connect the students and their families to counseling, tutoring, mentoring, after-school programs, emergency food, health insurance and clinics based on their identified need. This comprehensive system creates a community of support services that removes barriers and leads to an increase in graduation rates.

"We know that every 26 seconds, a student drops out of school. With caring partners like AT&T, Communities In Schools of Central Ohio is able to address those barriers preventing students from being successful," said M. Lisa Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, Communities In Schools of Central Ohio. "We can surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life."

"For more than 25 years, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have been committed to strengthening communities through advancing education," said David Kandel, Director of External Affairs, AT&T Ohio. "In 2008, we launched AT&T Aspire, specifically focused on confronting the high school drop out crisis to help ensure that students graduate prepared for the future challenges of continuing education and the workforce, and that is why we are happy to support Communities In Schools. Through the School Resource Coordinator's services, CIS will make a positive impact in our community."

*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 and [ one of the most honored companies in the world ]. 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.

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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 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.

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AT&T Helps Communities in Schools Focus on Drop Out Prevention in Central Ohio

AT&T Helps Communities in Schools Focus on Drop Out Prevention in Central Ohio