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AT&T Supports the Smith Family's Learning For Life Program

AT&T Supports the Smith Family's Learning For Life Program

Published 12-10-08

Submitted by AT&T Inc.

SYDNEY, Australia, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) has announced a contribution of A$38,000 to The Smith Family's Learning for Life Program (LFL) to support disadvantaged children in Australia. This is the fifth consecutive year that AT&T has supported the Smith Family. Founded in 1922, The Smith Family is a national, independent and social enterprise that supports disadvantaged Australian children to create a better future through education.

The LFL program is aimed at giving financially disadvantaged children the skills and opportunity to complete their studies and fulfil their potential. The LFL workers provide advocacy within the community and help families work though issues and sort out problems. They give emotional support to the children and help build their confidence and grow their self-esteem. They also facilitate career guidance courses and access to a range of educational program including mentor support. More than 40,000 children have been aided by this program since its trial in 1988.

AT&T's funding will contribute to the one-year cost for one LFL worker to support the education of the disadvantaged students. This would have a direct impact on the educational prospects and ultimate employability of children in disadvantaged families. Each LFL worker would provide assistance to approximately 300 students from approximately 100 families.

In addition to the grant to The Smith Family, AT&T staff will also be encouraged to become directly involved with the program through a variety of volunteering, communication, and profiling opportunities around Australia. Including the iTrack program which aims to provide information to students about workplace, study and career opportunities to enhance their school to work transition.

"AT&T is an active member of every community where we do business. We aim to support community-based organizations by providing vital resources to meet the immediate and long-term needs directly in their neighborhoods. It is very rewarding being able to contribute to the Australian community by supporting such a worthwhile project run by The Smith Family. Not only are their programs undertaken with professionalism and innovation, they are also carried out with respect for the diversity of people and their backgrounds," said Fred Girouard, Managing Director, AT&T Australia and New Zealand.

"Our children are Australia's future and our country's most precious and vulnerable resource. Sadly, one in seven Australian children are living in disadvantage and do not have access to the same educational, health or life opportunities that many of us enjoy and often take for granted. As they say it takes a village to raise a child and generous contributions such as AT&T's are central to being able to achieve our aim of breaking the cycle of disadvantage," said The Smith Family's Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Henry.


About The Smith Family

The Smith Family is an independent non-profit organisation committed to helping disadvantaged Australian children by unlocking opportunities through education and learning. http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au


About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.


About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.


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