AT&T recently made a contribution to help first-generation college students pay for their education at Middle Georgia State University's Georgia Academy.
 
Based on the Cochran Campus, the Georgia Academy of Arts, Mathematics, Engineering and Sciences is a residential program that provides academically talented students the opportunity to simultaneously earn high school diplomas from their home high schools and associate's degrees from Middle Georgia State. Students may choose to remain at the University after high school graduation to earn their bachelor's degrees.
 
Georgia Academy students get their tuition covered through the state's Move on When Ready dual-enrollment program, and Middle Georgia State waives the majority of their fees. However, the students and their families must cover the costs of housing and meals. Those expenses are barriers to some students who want to enroll in the Georgia Academy.
 
"AT&T is pleased to support Middle Georgia State University and the Georgia Academy initiative," said Terry Smith, regional director of External Affairs at AT&T. "We have great interest in opportunities that encourage student success in their high school and post-secondary education. Providing funding that assists first-generation college students with this unique dual-enrollment program demonstrates AT&T’s commitment to education. Additionally, I would like to thank the members of the Georgia General Assembly for their diligence addressing K-12 and post-secondary education needs, as well as their efforts in keeping Georgia business friendly, where businesses can invest, grow and support their communities."
 
Dr. Christopher Blake, Middle Georgia State's president, said AT&T's contribution is significant.
 
"As a University, we must do better to ensure that no student decides not to attend college as a result of insufficient funding," Blake said. "AT&T's support means more students and their families will not have to face that decision. These students have proven that they are they are academically prepared. AT&T will help fulfill a tremendous need and alleviate some of the costs associated with attending college."