The nonprofit organization GPS Education Partners was presented with $487,000 in funding from the AT&T Aspire program during an event held Thursday at Capitol Stampings Corp. in Milwaukee.
The AT&T funding will help 100 students graduate from high school and enable GPS to establish five new education centers in Wisconsin over the next two years, including two education centers in Milwaukee at Capitol Stampings and Strattec Security Corp.
“The GPS model of work-based learning impacts entire communities by re-engaging students in their education and equipping them with unique skill development that will prepare them for continued education and careers that meet the future needs of business,” said Stephanie Borowski, president of GPS Education Partners. “We are excited to work with AT&T to expand our innovative centers to reach even more teens.”
AT&T also announced an Aspire donation of $120,000 to the nonprofit organization College Possible to expand its programming to two new high schools in Milwaukee. College Possible provides academic support and coaching to low-income students to help them graduate high school and college.
GPS Education Partners and College Possible are the only two organizations in Wisconsin among 30 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $12.5 million from AT&T. The AT&T Aspire program is focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
“Keeping our teenagers in high school and preparing them for success after graduation not only benefits our students, but our communities and our state as well,” said Scott T. VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. “GPS and College Possible have proven educational programs designed to help at-risk youth stay in school, succeed academically and graduate prepared for college and careers. We are proud to help them expand their programs to reach even more teens.”
“Our mission is to prepare each student to graduate from high school college and career ready. College Possible and GPS Education Partners are two of our partners in that important work,” said MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver. “We’re excited to see their efforts rewarded and expanded because there will be more opportunities for our students to graduate, get ready for college and explore career pathways.”
