For more information, contact:

Tom Hopkins
AT&T Public Affairs
312-810-2656
Th1726@att.com

AT&T PROVIDES $168,120 CONTRIBUTION TO

IOWA JOBS FOR AMERICAS GRADUATES
Funds to Combat Dropout Crisis and Promote Workforce
Readiness
One Millionth Student Identified and Honored
DES MOINES, IOWA, DECEMBER 18, 2014 AT&T today announced a $168,120 contribution to
Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates (iJAG) to combat the high school dropout crisis in Iowa and prepare
students for jobs and careers.
Through the contribution, iJAG will be able to expand mentoring, tutoring and other academic support
for students at risk of dropping out and help them overcome barriers to graduation. With a high school
diploma or General Educational Diploma, iJAG helps guide students into post-secondary education,
entry-level careers, AmeriCorps or the military.
Over the past fifteen years, iJAG programs have exceeded the National JAG standard for graduation
(National 90%; iJAGs 95%), exceeded Iowas high school graduation rate of 90% and has graduated
over 8,639 at-risk students. Of that number, 40% of iJAG participants have continued their education
at colleges, universities, and other vocational and technical training centers.
The iJAG dropout prevention program has been very effective, but continued success depends on a
strong public-private partnership, said Laurie Phelan, iJAG President and CEO. Were grateful for
AT&Ts generous support and applaud them for investing in Iowas future workforce and helping
students succeed and realize their full potential.
There is nothing more important than investing in our children, said Cheryl Riley, president-AT&T
Iowa. Given the increasing need for higher education or job training, were proud to support iJAG and
the work they do to help students stay in school and gain the knowledge and skills theyll need to be
successful in the workforce.

AT&Ts support for iJAG is part of AT&T Aspire, a $350 million initiative focused on driving innovation in
education through socially innovative solutions that address the high school dropout crisis and help
students prepare for college and career success.
AT&T Aspire helps fuel the talent pipeline by ensuring the future workforce of the country will be
stocked with qualified employees who have the drive, professionalism and 21st century skills that
American businesses need to remain competitive. It aligns perfectly with iJAGs goal of providing at-risk
high school students with the opportunity and skills to work and succeed.
In more than three decades of operation, the national JAG organization has helped more than one
million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education and secure
quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities. To commemorate the millionth
national JAG student, each state has selected a symbolic millionth student representative. Noel
Gonzales of Des Moines has been selected as Iowas Millionth student representative.
iJAG Millionth Student: A Personal Story
As part of the check presentation ceremony, iJAG recognized it millionth student representative, Noel
Gonzalez. As a second year iJAG student at Des Moines Lincoln High School, Noel demonstrates
what it means to provide, hope, opportunity, and the delivery of a promise made to young people all
across Iowa and Illinois.
Elected President of the iJAG Career Association by his peers, life was not always what it seemed to
be on the outside. Noels parents divorced when he was three, and Noel watched his mother struggle to
raise three children alone. His mom wanted the best education for her children, sending Noel and his
brother and sister to private, Catholic schools for elementary and middle school.
During Noels freshman year, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. School became more difficult for
him, as Noel needed to get a part-time job to help his single mother make ends meet. The more ill his
mother got, the less Noel cared about school, but his mother continued to help him and encourage him
to stay on track. Unfortunately, after a year, Noels mother passed away.
Since Noels parents did not get a chance to pursue higher education, as they had wished they could,
college means a lot to him. Noel credits iJAG with helping him and guiding him towards graduating and
attending the college he desires, with a goal of becoming a dental hygienist.
Noel reminds us each day by saying, iJAG is a great program to be in and I hope that iJAG continues
to grow for future students.

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About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its
philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote
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About iJAG
iJAG is an independent, statewide 501(c)(3) private nonprofit corporation established in 1999 and has become a
leader within the national JAG network. Initially created for high school seniors as a school-to-work program, iJAG
has evolved into an organization serving more than 1,500 students per year in 35 programs (30 schools),
reaching into multiple communities across the state of Iowa and Illinois