Fresno State will host AT&T representatives, including California President Rhonda Johnson, to celebrate AT&T’s commitment to education in the Central Valley. The event recognizes local Aspire grants and contributions of $100,000 from AT&T and the AT&T Foundation toward this effort at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at Fresno State’s Smittcamp Alumni House, Whitten Board Room.
Aspire Grant recipients being celebrated are:
- Fresno State’s Mobile Student Services “Tiny Office” — this 150-square-foot mobile space is designed to engage students and meet them where they are, either on campus or in underserved areas of the community. The small, mobile office can fulfill the needs of students through programming, resources and services. Whether that’s financial aid counseling, a flu shot or any of hundreds of other services offered by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, this space is designed to increase student success and provide guidance to improve college readiness. Built by the Lyles College of Engineering’s Department of Construction Management, the Mobile Student Services Tiny Office will be on display at the event, outside of the Smittcamp Alumni House for people to see.
- Fresno State’s DISCOVERe mobile technology program — Launched in Fall of 2014, DISCOVERe infuses mobile technology into the classroom experience, providing students with engaging material through the use of laptops, tablets or smartphones. By integrating technology throughout the academic experience, students can master digital literacy skills that are becoming increasingly critical for jobs in today’s workplace.
- Central Valley Promise is a region-wide effort to guarantee a path to college for students in our region. The Promise ensures that if students and their parents pledge to do what it takes in middle and high school to prepare, college will be there for them in the future, guaranteed.
- 59DaysOfCode is a Fresno nonprofit with the mission to grow the technology industry and community in the Valley. Through events, workshops and programs, 59DaysofCode integrates arts, culture and technology, works with students to develop entrepreneurial and technical skills for technology jobs, and creates the Valley’s most vibrant entrepreneurial platform.
“AT&T is proud to support Fresno County organizations that serve students and families and help make the Central Valley more vibrant,” said Rhonda Johnson, president of AT&T California. “We are glad to play a part in advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives in the Fresno community.”
Dr. Joseph I. Castro, president of Fresno State, welcomes AT&T to Fresno State.
“Students throughout Fresno County benefit when private companies like AT&T boldly invest in educational initiatives to promote academic excellence and address vital community needs,” said Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro.
Several other dignitaries will be on hand for the event:
- Rico Guerrero, executive director for the State Center Community College Foundation
- Jim Yovino, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
- Assemblymember Jim Patterson, 23rd District
An earlier $50,000 Aspire Grant from AT&T expanded Fresno State’s DISCOVERe mobile technology program, providing funding for student training and enhanced support for students with disabilities.
