SAN DIEGO, September 15, 2020 – AT&T* is contributing $100,000 to Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) to help California families with the transition to distance learning during the COVID-19 crisis.
The contribution is part of AT&T’s Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund to give parents, students and teachers tools they need. The fund also provides resources to maintain meaningful connections and bonding opportunities for those isolated from family and friends.
“Our community is grappling with an unprecedented challenge,” said Christine Moore, Director-External Affairs, AT&T California. “Now more than ever before, connecting people with the resources they need to maintain a sense of normalcy is paramount. For students and teachers, that means creating the best digital learning environment.”
Established in 1987, PIQE is a national organization with evidence-based programs that empower and transform parents to actively engage in their children’s education and strengthen parent-school-community collaboration. PIQE serves the highest need families and partners with more than 100 school districts in California, including serving thousands of parents in the San Diego County.
“Our parents are shouldering a great burden as they deal with the challenges of isolation, economic hardships, as well as their children’s distance learning when there is limited or an absence of tools and skills to navigate new digital platforms,” said Gloria Corral, President and CEO, PIQE. “We are thrilled to have the support of AT&T. This investment will allow us to continue our ability to support our families in their home language with online connectivity and navigation, bridge them to needed resources, transition to distance learning, and continuing building strong family school relationships.”
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, AT&T is also donating 300 tablet devices to PIQE to assist in their efforts in helping families stay engaged during distance learning and empowering and transforming families to ensure their children achieve their full potential. PIQE will be distributing the tablets to local students, including students who attend school in the San Ysidro School District, which serves 4,500 students, with a large majority from underserved areas.
“Our San Ysidro school community extends a heartfelt thank you to PIQE and AT&T for their support of our students,” said Dr. Gina A. Potter, Superintendent of San Ysidro School District. “We sincerely appreciate and value our collaboration with PIQE and the programs that they provide for our parents and families. ‘Together or Juntos,’ we will help our community make it through this difficult time.”
As circumstances surrounding COVID-19 change daily, AT&T continues to work alongside families, educators and community leaders to understand the challenges they will face in the days and weeks to come. To learn about additional tools and resources available nationwide through the Fund visit our site.
For parents and caregivers, we know this time has brought a multitude of new and unexpected challenges. And we also know the need for broadband connectivity has never been greater. For that reason, we have several initiatives to help keep students connected and continuing their education:
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $600 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
*About AT&T Communications
We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation’s fastest wireless network.** And according to America’s biggest test, we have the nation’s best wireless network.*** We’re building FirstNet® just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With a range of TV and video products, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.
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