JACKSON, Mich. — AT&T* on Friday will present a $20,000 grant to Rise Above – a program providing support services to struggling students in the Jackson area. Rise Above provides a route to graduation for students who have been expelled or suspended from their home schools.
“We are so grateful to AT&T for their generous donation,” said Rev. Neil Fernandes, CEO of the Rise Above program. “This contribution is going to make a real difference to get these students back on the right track and help reintegrate them into their home schools with the tools, skills and attitude they need to succeed.”
WHEN: Friday, September 13, 2019
11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Rise Above Campus
936 Fleming Avenue
Jackson, MI 49202
WHO: Yvette Collins, AT&T Regional Director of External Affairs
Rev. Neil Fernandes, CEO, Rise Above
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake)
State Representative Julie Alexander (R-Hanover)
Using a Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. structure, Rise Above works with students to foster relationship restoration and academic credit recovery. Rise Above has partnered with all 13 school districts in Jackson County, and has seen an 80% success rate. The program provides students with access to teachers, mentors, counseling services and other resources during a difficult period in their academic careers.
“I want to thank AT&T for their efforts to support these Jackson area students who have hit a rough patch in their academic careers,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey. “Rise Above is providing these students with the help and support they need to get back to their home schools and earn their diplomas and go on to reach their full potential – that’s a great thing for these young people and this community.”
Some of the funding from AT&T will be used to support the breakfast program for the students within the Rise Above program. The rest will be put towards technology upgrades, including new computers and printers.
“We are proud to support this effort which gives students the resources needed to succeed,” said David Lewis, president, AT&T Michigan. “Everyone deserves a second chance, and we are excited to partner with Rise Above to provide that second chance to these kids.”
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