GSSM awarded $100,000 grant by the AT&T Foundation

February 27, 2009

Grant Supports Advanced Computer Engineering Laboratory

Hartsville, S.C., Feb. 27, 2009 -- The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) today announced it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation, the philanthropy arm of  AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).  The grant will support programming of a new Unix-based computer lab.  A special server and 12 initial workstations will launch this advanced computer science learning environment where students will study computer programming, communication between computers and computer systems management. The new Unix-based laboratory will be named the AT&T Advanced Computer Engineering Laboratory.

The Governor's School, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, serves a high-achieving segment of the state's high school juniors and seniors who are passionate about science, mathematics and technology and who are motivated to increase their knowledge in these subjects. One of only 14 public, residential high schools in the country that specialize in science and mathematics, GSSM offers an early college experience to its students and allows them to earn college credits for many of their math and science courses.

"The U. S. workforce readiness crisis is putting our global economic competitiveness at risk.  We need a labor pool that is ready to work in a new, connected world," said AT&T South Carolina President Pamela P. Lackey.  "Investing in a well-educated workforce may be the single most important thing we can do to help America remain the leader in a digital, global economy. We are proud to partner with GSSM in investing in our future leaders."

"This is a remarkable pledge from AT&T, one for which we are deeply grateful," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM President. "AT&T understands that our most talented young computer scientists need special equipment and programming opportunities to advance their technology skills.  Thanks to AT&T, these students will have access to the Unix-based server facilities they need to gain experience on large-scale computer systems.  With AT&T's support, GSSM is building leaders for the technology-based challenges in South Carolina's future."

"By supporting public education today, we are strengthening tomorrow's workforce and giving the next generation the tools they need to help our state and nation remain a global leader," said Patrick Turner, AT&T South Carolina General Counsel and GSSM board member. "The school is committed to advancing South Carolina's economic future by preparing our top students for the demands of knowledge-based professions."