AT&T presented a $5,000 contribution to Columbia State Community College today to support non-traditional, underserved students preparing for jobs requiring technology-based skills in Tennessee community colleges.

The donation will fund scholarships to help students begin a path toward completing their college degrees.

"Support from the business community is so important as we work to advance higher education and create a workforce that is ready to meet the needs of Middle Tennessee," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "The programs this contribution will help fund gives our students the skills required to compete in today's technology based economy."

This donation is part of AT&T's $65,000 gift to the Tennessee Board of Regents. Each of the state's 13 community colleges have received $5,000.

"Our community colleges are instrumental in preparing a workforce that can keep pace with Tennessee's booming economy," said Sen. Joey Hensley. "AT&T's commitment to good corporate citizenship, in regards to education, will allow Tennessee's future workforce to reach its full potential reaping benefits for all Tennesseans."

This gift is to award scholarships to encourage students to participate in programs designed to help them succeed in the classroom and be better prepared to enter the workforce.

"Higher education often creates a pathway to prosperity for those looking to quickly enter the job market and today's announcement expands that opportunity for more students in Middle Tennessee," said Rep-Elect Michael Curcio. "AT&T's investment in programs like this exemplifies its commitment to furthering education throughout Tennessee."

In January 2010, the Tennessee legislature approved an aggressive set of steps to increase the completion rates of students within the institutions of higher education in the state.

"We are delighted to support Tennessee students who are acquiring the skills they need to enter the workforce," said Kathy Sager, Regional Director of External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T Tennessee. "Accelerated certificate and degree programs are a great way to ensure our students are fully prepared to enter the workforce and that they can find good jobs right here in Tennessee when they graduate."

The TBR Office of Academic Affairs developed a curriculum for accelerated pathways for college completion. The goal is to increase completion rates at the TBR community colleges.

TBR created programs of study that encourage and allow students with work and family obligations to enroll on a full-time basis, devoting 20 to 30 hours a week, including online education. Students now have the option to complete required coursework for an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees within three semesters.

Students in these new programs would benefit from scholarships that would enable them to participate fully in the four to five hour blocks of time required to complete an accelerated certificate or degree program.