06/11/2015
Media Contact: Diane Carroll, 913-469-3425, dicarroll@jccc.edu
AT&T supports technology pilot for ESL courses
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – AT&T has donated $15,000 to Johnson County Community College to support a technology-related pilot program for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
JCCC’s pilot program will study the benefits of integrating tablets, e-textbooks and digital applications into English language courses. It will target students enrolled in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
“We know students need the right resources and tools to succeed so we are thrilled to work with Johnson County Community College to help support this pilot program,” said Mike Scott, president of AT&T Kansas. “This is one more way that AT&T is doing what we can to help students thrive in classrooms and give back to the community.”
JCCC’s non-native speaking students represent nearly 100 countries, including China, Mexico, Kenya, Sudan, Taiwan, South Korea, Honduras and Jordan. They often lack the financial means to purchase laptops, PCs or tablets, which would allow them to access online resources. For the 2015-16 school year, JCCC will place 30 of these EAP students each semester in the technology pilot.
JCCC President Joe Sopcich said college leaders were grateful for AT&T’s support and longstanding commitment to advancing educational opportunities in Johnson County.
“Equipping students with the resources and skills that they need and opening access to education to all members of our community is central to JCCC’s mission,” Sopcich said. “With AT&T’s support, this pilot will enable us to study new ways to increase learning and develop best practices for integrating technology solutions into English language courses.”
AT&T’s support for JCCC is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to education. Among the most significant corporate educational initiatives in the United States, the AT&T Aspire initiative has already impacted more than a million students across all 50 states since the program launched in 2008. The company has committed to investing $350 million to education through AT&T Aspire.
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