AT&T Foundation Makes $1 Million Technology Grant to The OASIS Institute
AT&T AccessAll Grant Funds Project to Expand Computer Skills Training for 50+ Adults
March 14, 2007
When Lynn Schanz decided to go back to work at age 55, she realized pretty quickly that she needed computer skills to succeed. Through her local OASIS center in Indianapolis, she signed up for a few computer skills classes such as an introduction to the Internet and using Microsoft Word. Developing basic technology skills gave her the confidence to apply for job opportunities, and her determination paid off when she landed a job with an eye therapist's office.
Like Lynn, many Americans discover they need to develop new skills to remain active in the community and competitive in today's job market. To help them build those skills, the AT&T Foundation - the philanthropic arm of AT&T Inc. - has made a $1 million AT&T AccessAll grant to The OASIS Institute, a national nonprofit educational organization designed to enhance the quality of life for 50+ adults. AT&T AccessAll is a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access to underserved communities such as low-income, youth, disabled, seniors and women.
Building upon the success of AT&T Foundation's $500,000 grant to OASIS in 2005, the $1 million grant will be used to expand the "Excellence in Technology Partnership" to help mature adults in more communities develop the skills, resources and confidence to use technology effectively in their personal lives and in the workforce. The funds will also allow OASIS centers and partner organizations in 21 cities across the United States to receive services and equipment under the national grant.
Through OASIS classes, individuals can learn how to use e-mail and word processing, create spreadsheets, conduct Internet searches, and protect their privacy and security online.
"Last year, OASIS provided 5,500 mature adults with training on how to use computers and the Internet to connect with family, friends and information to enrich their lives," said Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS Institute in St. Louis.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.4 percent of U.S. workers - more than 40 million people - were 55 or older in 2005, a figure that will rise to twenty percent by 2015. The "New Face of Work" survey by MetLife and Civic Ventures showed that half of adults age 50 to 70 are interested in taking jobs, paid or unpaid, to improve the quality of life in their communities. Yet the generation gap in basic technology skills continues. The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that only 33% of Americans age 65+ used the Internet in 2006, compared to 70% of all adults.
AT&T and the AT&T Foundation support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly initiatives with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. Over the past five years, the AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $5.7 million in grants to organizations serving mature adults across the country.
"The AT&T Foundation is committed to enriching and strengthening underserved communities nationwide, especially programs that serve older Americans," said Laura Sanford, president of the AT&T Foundation. "Our support of The OASIS Institute will help people develop skills to stay in touch with their family and friends, engaged in the community and up-to-date in the workplace."
Cities that will be involved in the "Excellence in Technology Partnership" project include Chicago, Escondido, San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Tucson, Phoenix, Cleveland, Akron, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Denver, Atlanta, and Miami.
Since 1996, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $439 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation is among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States and was ranked by Forbes magazine among the most generous corporate foundations in 2006.
For more information:Janice Branham, Director of Communications
The OASIS Institute
314.862.2933 ext 229
jbranham@oasisnet.org