ARTICLE
The Polk Education Foundation helped transform the futures of 60 graduating seniors from Polk ounty Public Schools by awarding them brand-new laptops, sleeves, chargers, and headphones. This initiative was made possible through AT&T’s recent $30,000 contribution to help bridge the digital divide for students pursuing higher education. To be selected, students first applied for Foundation scholarships. Using established criteria, staff identified 60 students who then completed required virtual training focused on digital citizenship and online safety. Upon completion, students were invited to a reception Tuesday night, where they received their devices from Polk Education Foundation Board Chair and AT&T Regional Director, Matt Mucci. Mucci handed each student their laptop and asked about their high school, future college, and career plans. Students expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. Genesis, a senior planning to major in STEM, said, "I am grateful for this laptop. Some of the programs I will need for science labs cannot even be opened on a cellphone. This reward guarantees that I will have an easier way to study in college." This initiative builds on AT&T’s long history of supporting Polk County Public Schools. Since 2009, AT&T has contributed more than $140,000 to the Foundation, supporting STEM Success Grants and other programs that expand opportunities for students. Foundation Executive Director Tracy Porter said, "This grant from AT&T is a prime example of the power of philanthropy in education and the critical role it can play in student success. As grateful as I am for this generous gift from AT&T, I was so moved by the genuine appreciation of the students that they expressed to Matt before, during, and after the event.” Matt Mucci added, "Empowering students and reducing the digital divide are at the core of AT&T's commitment to our communities. Tuesday night was a time to celebrate some amazing high school seniors in Polk County." ABOUT POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION Through philanthropic support, Polk Education Foundation is able to fund classroom grants, operate a Free Teacher Market, provide a reading tutoring program for K-3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, offer an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and award more than $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success, recognize and retain teachers and employees, and enhance educational experiences. Contact Lauren Morrish Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 203
The Polk Education Foundation helped transform the futures of 60 graduating seniors from Polk ounty Public Schools by awarding them brand-new laptops, sleeves, chargers, and headphones. This initiative was made possible through AT&T’s recent $30,000 contribution to help bridge the digital divide for students pursuing higher education.
To be selected, students first applied for Foundation scholarships. Using established criteria, staff identified 60 students who then completed required virtual training focused on digital citizenship and online safety. Upon completion, students were invited to a reception Tuesday night, where they received their devices from Polk Education Foundation Board Chair and AT&T Regional Director, Matt Mucci. Mucci handed each student their laptop and asked about their high school, future college, and career plans.
Students expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. Genesis, a senior planning to major in STEM, said, "I am grateful for this laptop. Some of the programs I will need for science labs cannot even be opened on a cellphone. This reward guarantees that I will have an easier way to study in college."
This initiative builds on AT&T’s long history of supporting Polk County Public Schools. Since 2009, AT&T has contributed more than $140,000 to the Foundation, supporting STEM Success Grants and other programs that expand opportunities for students.
Foundation Executive Director Tracy Porter said, "This grant from AT&T is a prime example of the power of philanthropy in education and the critical role it can play in student success. As grateful as I am for this generous gift from AT&T, I was so moved by the genuine appreciation of the students that they expressed to Matt before, during, and after the event.”
Matt Mucci added, "Empowering students and reducing the digital divide are at the core of AT&T's commitment to our communities. Tuesday night was a time to celebrate some amazing high school seniors in Polk County."
ABOUT POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION Through philanthropic support, Polk Education Foundation is able to fund classroom grants, operate a Free Teacher Market, provide a reading tutoring program for K-3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, offer an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and award more than $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success, recognize and retain teachers and employees, and enhance educational experiences.
Contact Lauren Morrish Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 203