ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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. (NYSE: T)-- today announced a $1 million AT&T AccessAll grant to The OASIS Institute, a national nonprofit educational organization designed to enhance the quality of life for adults aged 50-plus. AT&T AccessAll is a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access, tools and training 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 20 percent by 2015. The "New Face of Work" survey by MetLife and Civic Ventures showed that half of adults aged 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 percent of Americans aged 65-plus used the Internet in 2006, compared with 70 percent 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 Angles, 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.

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About OASIS

The OASIS Institute is a national education organization that strengthens communities by providing lifelong learning and service opportunities that inspire mature adults to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. For more information visit www.oasisnet.org.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. supports programs that strengthen communities; improve access to information technology and technology training; advance education; and enhance professional-skills development. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T AccessAll, the company's signature philanthropic initiative, is a $100 million program that connects families and communities with technology that can improve lives. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T, combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. 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. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include next-generation television services such as AT&T U-verse(SM) TV. 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. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.

© 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at www.att.com/newsroom.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

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