AT&T is committed to creating economic opportunities and fostering upward mobility for underserved communities in Milwaukee. As part of this commitment, AT&T is donating $135,000 through its Believe Milwaukee℠ initiative to three local organizations that share in our mission to create more opportunities and paths to success for traditionally underserved communities in Milwaukee.
The donations are part of a $10 million commitment from AT&T to boost economic opportunities in underserved communities across the country.
“Too many of our fellow citizens in Milwaukee lack access to economic opportunity, education, homeownership and other attributes that develop wealth and build the middle class.”
Scott VanderSanden, President – AT&T Wisconsin
“Too many of our fellow citizens in Milwaukee lack access to economic opportunity, education, homeownership and other attributes that develop wealth and build the middle class,” said Scott VanderSanden, President of AT&T Wisconsin. “AT&T is proud to invest in these local organizations and support their work to address these disparities in Milwaukee.”
The challenges facing underserved communities in Milwaukee, including poverty and homelessness, have been exacerbated by high unemployment rates, the coronavirus pandemic, and social unrest around the country. Our hope is that our $135,000 in contributions will help alleviate some of these inequities.
AT&T has donated to the following organizations:
- Milwaukee Urban League (MUL): A $100,000 AT&T contribution will support the Milwaukee Urban League’s education and employment services. Programs include Graduate to Employment for high school youth who are not college bound, and Project Ready, which prepares students for college and future employment. MUL’s mission is to lead through education, employment and advocacy to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries and disciplines that position African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life.
“The African American community in Milwaukee has been hit especially hard by the economic and health trauma caused by COVID-19,” said Dr. Eve M. Hall, President and CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League. “This generous contribution from AT&T will support our efforts to meet the increased demand for education and employment training, job referral and placement, and case management services in Milwaukee.”
- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Foundation: A $25,000 AT&T contribution will support the MPS Foundation’s #Connect Milwaukee campaign, which provides technology tools and support for MPS students, parents and teachers district-wide. The COVID-19 pandemic and school closures have created vast disruption in educational systems, leading to a growing disparity in student learning in Milwaukee. AT&T’s contribution will help the MPS Foundation provide technical support for families and training for teachers as MPS schools continue virtual learning.
“We appreciate AT&T supporting our teachers in this critical moment,” said MPS Foundation’s Executive Director Wendell Willis. “This grant enhances their ability to teach and ensures that our students will not be left further behind due to online learning’s changing nature.”
- United Community Center (UCC): A $10,000 contribution from AT&T will support the United Community Center’s education and community programs for Hispanics and near south side Milwaukee residents. AT&T’s contribution will support efforts to provide 200 students and families with internet hot spots so they can participate in distance learning. The UCC’s mission is to provide programs to Hispanics and near south side residents of all ages in the areas of education, cultural arts, recreation, community development, and health and human services.
“We are so grateful for AT&T’s support,” said Laura Gutiérrez, Executive Director of the UCC. “Despite this pandemic, UCC remains committed to ensuring our students and families are not left behind. Right now, this means providing equitable access to technology for all students. AT&T is making it possible for our virtual students to have reliable internet to attend class, to complete homework, and stay connected socially and emotionally to their classmates, which are all critical to their short- and long-term success.”
AT&T has a long history of equality; participating in this struggle is a moral and business imperative – not just for AT&T but for all companies and for all communities and citizens.
Believe Milwaukee
AT&T leaders launched Believe Milwaukee in November 2019 with $150,000 in contributions to four Milwaukee organizations to help combat hunger in the city. In May, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation donated $241,000 as part of Believe Milwaukee to help organizations confront the COVID-19 crisis, including support for healthcare heroes, hunger relief and distance learning efforts.
Believe Milwaukee is an extension of AT&T Believes℠, a company-wide effort, localized to create positive change in our communities. AT&T Believes harnesses employee engagement, supports it with company resources, and joins with area organizations and non-profits to make an even bigger impact on local communities and society at large.
Donations are being made through the Believe Milwaukee℠ initiative.
