Printer Friendly Version - AT&T $10K Scholarship Shared by Five Lucky BHS Grads

Kelly Bettuchi of AT&T CT presents $10,000 in scholarship money for Branford Education Fund (BEF) to deliver to five 2014 BHS graduates. With Bettuchi are (1-r): State Representative Lonnie Reed, Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez, Assistant Branford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Peraro and BEF President Robert Babcock.

AT&T has donated $10,000 in scholarship money that has been shared among five members of the Branford High School (BHS) Class of 2014 to help finance continuing education dreams.

The Branford Education Foundation Inc. (BEF) accepted a check for $10,000 from AT&T for the scholarships on June 19, BHS graduation day. The scholars were notified of their gift during Senior Awards Night at BHS on June 17.

“We’re very fortunate to have a positive working relationship with AT&T,” said Bob Babcock, BEF president. “For some students, money is a barrier and this support will allow the students to move ahead in a career that will be worthwhile to them.”

State Rep. Lonnie Reed, who first helped to connect AT&T with Branford Public Schools for tuition assistance scholarships in 2012 (when AT&T also gave $10,000for BEA scholarships), noted Branford’s ERACE program recently received $$20,000 in another AT&T grant.

“They know we're doing such a good job with this program and through ERACE. They've been so happy with the quality of programs they've been able to give to, and the quality of these deserving kids,” said Reed.

Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez said he’s especially grateful for the support AT&T has shown to Branford students.

“It demonstrates their commitment to our youth and to children where really finances is a barrier to their next step,” Hernandez said. “So really, this is an incredible show of support for them; and we're grateful for that.”

Kelly Bettuchi, AT&T Connecticut Director of External Affairs, noted that, nationwide, AT&T has contributed more than $380,000,000 in scholarships through its ARISE program, which helps students at risk of missing the opportunity to continue on an educational career path following high school.

“The targeting of this type of funding is to go directly to those students. We’re trying to keep them engaged and give them the financial resources they need to continue on, from a two-year certificate program to a four-year degree,” said Bettuchi. “We want every kid that has the will and the drive to have that opportunity.”