AT&T Connecticut announced a $10,000 donation to Derby High School to support the school’s college and career readiness program.
State Rep. Themis Klarides, Superintendent Matthew Conway, Business Manager Mark Izzo and AT&T External Affairs Manager Kelly Wade Bettuchi were on hand for the announcement and donation.
The funds will be utilized for twenty $500 scholarships that will be presented to graduates of the class of 2017.
Scholarships will be awarded to students who are continuing their education in a two-year, four-year or certificate program. Scholarships
will be awarded to students who demonstrate strong school service, outstanding school citizenship, a strong academic record and financial need.
“This is exactly the public-private partnership model we all should hope to achieve, to establish the synergy and common goals that will benefit our young people and ready them for careers in an ever evolving workplace,’’ Klarides said.
To encourage students to apply and be eligible for these scholarships, various school and community volunteer activities will be available throughout the 2016-2017 academic school year.
The activities will give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills, as well as other skills to prepare them for college life such as such as time management, project management, and team collaboration. This involvement will help them not only with their Derby High School experience but will be valuable when entering a new college campus community.
Students will submit a scholarship application and will complete a written essay describing how they meet the necessary scholarship criteria. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of faculty members and awarded to students at the annual Awards Night ceremony in May 2017.
“AT&T’s generous gift will help prepare and support 20 students learn and practice the value of community service and citizenship. This is something that if practiced, has the potential of affecting so many more lives over one’s lifetime. It becomes a lifestyle,” Conway said.
“AT&T is proud to support programs like Derby High School that are committed to helping our young, especially those who may be most vulnerable, graduate from high school with the skills and tools they will need to succeed in college and careers,” Bettuchi said.
