AT&T Gives Step One Program A $5K Grant
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
But for a $5,000 grant for the Step One Program at Warsaw Community High School, AT&T sought the program out.
Judy Jankowski, AT&T external affairs director, South Bend, said AT&T has a foundation.
"Every so often, they change the focus. Currently, for Indiana, it is workforce preparedness and high school retention. We actually research programs and actively ask them to apply (for grants)," Jankowski said.
With AT&T's recent acquisition of Centennial Wireless, that expanded AT&T's customer base and gave the foundation opportunities to look at new programs.
Jankowski met with Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Chamber Director Mark Dobson, and both men told Jankowski about how great things were happening at Warsaw Schools. She began doing her research and found the Step One Program.
She said she was immediately impressed.
"The success rate, the nature of the program. To me, how it seems to be individualized," she said of what impressed her.
WCHS Principal Troy Akers and teacher Jeanne McCormack also impressed Jankowski with their enthusiasm and sincerity.
During the $5,000 check presentation Friday afternoon, Akers told students he received a call from Jankowski this summer wanting to provide the Step One Program with a grant. Through the process, Jankowski provided directions to McCormack on how to apply for some grant dollars.
When asked how the money will be spent, McCormack said Step One is divided into groups by grade. Each group will be allotted some of the grant money, and some will be used for all of them. The teachers involved in the Step One Program will meet together and decide how to most effectively use the money.
"Our big thing is broadening their (students') vision. We're very excited," McCormack said.[[In-content Ad]]Students in the Step One Program have to apply to the program. The course offers students more guidance and role models and more of a small classroom atmosphere. In order to stay in the class, students have to maintain a B average in class, have a 90-percent attendance rate and do at least five hours of community service.
But for a $5,000 grant for the Step One Program at Warsaw Community High School, AT&T sought the program out.
Judy Jankowski, AT&T external affairs director, South Bend, said AT&T has a foundation.
"Every so often, they change the focus. Currently, for Indiana, it is workforce preparedness and high school retention. We actually research programs and actively ask them to apply (for grants)," Jankowski said.
With AT&T's recent acquisition of Centennial Wireless, that expanded AT&T's customer base and gave the foundation opportunities to look at new programs.
Jankowski met with Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Chamber Director Mark Dobson, and both men told Jankowski about how great things were happening at Warsaw Schools. She began doing her research and found the Step One Program.
She said she was immediately impressed.
"The success rate, the nature of the program. To me, how it seems to be individualized," she said of what impressed her.
WCHS Principal Troy Akers and teacher Jeanne McCormack also impressed Jankowski with their enthusiasm and sincerity.
During the $5,000 check presentation Friday afternoon, Akers told students he received a call from Jankowski this summer wanting to provide the Step One Program with a grant. Through the process, Jankowski provided directions to McCormack on how to apply for some grant dollars.
When asked how the money will be spent, McCormack said Step One is divided into groups by grade. Each group will be allotted some of the grant money, and some will be used for all of them. The teachers involved in the Step One Program will meet together and decide how to most effectively use the money.
"Our big thing is broadening their (students') vision. We're very excited," McCormack said.[[In-content Ad]]Students in the Step One Program have to apply to the program. The course offers students more guidance and role models and more of a small classroom atmosphere. In order to stay in the class, students have to maintain a B average in class, have a 90-percent attendance rate and do at least five hours of community service.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092