AT&T Foundation Gives $25,000 for IT Scholarships

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Posted on June 15, 2021

Lance Crawford

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The AT&T Foundation is contributing $25,000 to the University of South Alabama to fund scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Information Technology fields during the 2021-2022 academic year. The AT&T Aspiring Leaders in Information Technology scholarships are the first of its kind to specifically support IT students in the School of Computing.

The AT&T scholarship fund will establish ten $2,500 scholarships, to assist IT degree students who are from underserved, underrepresented and low-income communities.

“Voices that traditionally go unheard are too often considered “at-risk.” At AT&T, we know everyone deserves an equal opportunity … regardless of zip code, age, gender, race or socioeconomic status, and we are incredibly proud to collaborate with the University of South Alabama to support our amazing youth pursuing their academic dreams,” said Glyn Agnew, AT&T Alabama Regional Manager of External and Legislative Affairs. “It’s simple. Our society doesn't work if it doesn't work equally for all.” 

“I can't overstate the importance of corporate partnerships to higher education,” said Dr. Alec Yasinsac, dean of the School of Computing. “We are thrilled that AT&T supports the School of Computing and our students.” 

The scholarships continue a legacy of AT&T Foundation support for the School of Computing. In 2018 and 2019, the AT&T Foundation supported the School of Computing-Davidson High School summer cybersecurity camp. Since then, 15 former cybersecurity campers have chosen to enroll at South and join the School of Computing.

Information technology graduates are in demand. According to cyberseek.org, there are almost 500,000 cybersecurity-related job openings as of May 2021.

“Funding opportunities like the AT&T Aspiring Leaders in Information Technology scholarships will help to attract and support students in completing their degrees and prepare them to fill these critical positions and meet this growing demand,” said Angela Clark, chair of the department of information systems and technology.

Eligible students for the AT&T Aspiring Leaders in Information Technology scholarship must: 

• be full-time undergraduate students majoring in Information Technology;
• have a 3.0 or better GPA, or converted GPA equivalent to 3.0; and,
• have scored at least a 23 ACT/converted SAT (for an incoming freshman students).

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