AT&T contributes $15K to assist in workforce development efforts in Highland County
AT&T Director of External Affairs Mark Romito, center, presented a $15,000 contribution to the Highland County Workforce and Economic Development. Pictured (l-r) are Highland County Commissioner David Daniels; Highland County Chamber of Commerce board member Lindsay Cloud; Highland County Workforce and Economic Development Director Julie Bolender; Romito; Highland County Commissioner Brad Roades; Highland County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jamie Wheeler; and Leesburg Mayor Shawn Priest. (Submitted photo)
Highland County Workforce and Economic Development, the county’s development organization dedicated to building industry while educating, training and preparing the next generation of workforce, has been awarded a prestigious technology contribution from AT&T.
The $15,000 contribution, presented by AT&T Director of External Affairs, Mark Romito and administered by the Highland County Community Fund, a geographic affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, will enable Highland County to take its workforce development efforts to a new level.
As part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative – a commitment to help bridge the digital divide for students, caregivers and families through technology and connectivity – the contribution will support the purchase, licensing and maintenance of a virtual reality headset to be used in the county’s workforce development center, which provides the tools and resources necessary to train a technologically advanced workforce.
Highland County officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude to AT&T for its generous contribution, and to the Highland County Community Fund for their generous involvement as the fiscal agent. The contribution allows Highland County to not only continue but also expand its important work in the field of workforce development, fostering innovation, growth and making a lasting and positive change.
“We are deeply honored to have received this generous contribution from AT&T. We are equally appreciative of the Highland County Community Fund for agreeing to act as the fiscal agent in administration of this contribution,” said Julie Bolender, director of Highland County Economic Development. “This contribution will empower us to amplify our efforts in the development of our workforce, and we are excited about the opportunities the contribution will bring to our residents and employers. We are confident it will make a tangible difference in our community and beyond.”
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T: We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we have committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities. For more information about the AT&T Connected Learning ® initiative, please visit att.com/connectedlearning.
About the Highland County Community Fund: The Highland County Community Fund was established to ensure permanent support for the communities of Highland County and all those who call Highland home. A local foundation affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, the Highland County Community Fund works to inspire philanthropy. To learn more, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Highland.
About the Highland County Workforce Development Center: The Highland County WDC is a technologically advanced center open for use by Highland County residents and industries. Opened in 2022, the center serves as a place of training and educating the current and future workforce. We are dedicated to assisting our industries with their workforce needs, striving to be their partner in success. For more information, please call (937) 661-3010.