Mayor Peduto, local officials, AT&T highlight Learn and Earn program
$50,000 contribution from AT&T helps launch ground-breaking initiative
PITTSBURGH, PA (JULY 14, 2015) — Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto today joined local educators and other officials to highlight the “Summer of Learn and Earn” program and announce support from AT&T.
During a visit to a 2015 Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment worksite at CCAC, officials from AT&T announced a $50,000 contribution to the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (3RWIB) to support this summer youth employment program that unites the city, the county, corporate and foundation communities in a first-of-its-kind summer employment program that aims to provide 2,000 children and young adults in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County the opportunity to learn to work by working.
“Through the Learn and Earn program, we aim to offer meaningful job experiences for youth and a more effective talent pipeline for businesses and the region as a whole. Thanks to the collaborative support from the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, Allegheny County, and partners like AT&T and CCAC, we are much closer to achieving our goals,” Mayor Peduto said.
Stefani Pashman, 3RWIB chief executive officer, said the program helps the region’s young people explore career options in the Pittsburgh area.
“With support from organizations such as AT&T, we are doing what we can to make sure our youth have the opportunity to understand that a meaningful career is possible right here in the Pittsburgh region,” said Pashman. “Young people learn to work by working, and opportunities to work through Learn and Earn will help build the skills and confidence these young people will need to dream big and achieve bright futures.”
The program is available to young people between the ages of 14 and 21. Participants work 25 hours per week in a variety of jobs, including building gardens and performing in a choir; interning with the police department; addressing social and human problems; training others in metal and woodworking, mixed media and financial literacy; working as librarians and Science Center professionals; and assisting construction and utility professionals.
“At AT&T, we invest in students today to prepare them for success tomorrow. Our goal is to remove barriers to academic success and career growth, and help all students — regardless of age, gender, income, or zip code — make their biggest dreams a reality,” said Jim Penna, AT&T’s regional director for External Affairs. “The Learn and Earn initiative is a great way to inspire Pittsburgh’s young people to stay in school so that they’re better prepared for jobs and opportunities after high school.”
*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 Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.