EMU Today

YPSILANTI -- Exposing high school and middle school students to various STEM fields is a point of pride for Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. The AT&T Foundation recognized this commitment with a $42,000 grant to support the college’s Digital Divas program spearheaded by the Office of K-12 STEM Outreach as well as after-school programming. 

The grant will support educational needs with the creation of two 30-minute pilot television programs highlighting Digital Divas, a program designed to attract more female students to STEM careers. The pilot series will be available to all school districts throughout Michigan. In addition, EMU will purchase and distribute after-school math kits to fifth- grade students in the coming months. 

"The AT&T Foundation is proud to work with Eastern Michigan University on its efforts to connect local youth with STEM and technology experiences," said David Lewis, president of AT&T Michigan. "These efforts are opening up the minds of Michigan's youth, making an everlasting impact in their lives and futures." 

This is not the first time AT&T supported EMU through funding. Previously, AT&T provided grants to support Digital Divas and Digital Dudes programming and Project Lead the Way.

“Grants from companies and foundations like AT&T provide the support that allows EMU to expand student resources and services, ” said EMU President James Smith. “As a result, we’ve been able to modernize classrooms and labs, and connect students with research opportunities that make them marketable in an ever-changing workforce.” 

“Thanks to AT&T, we’re able to use creative approaches to reach young students at a crucial time that will help them discover their interests and hopefully build a love for math,” said Bia Hamed, EMU’s director of K-12 STEM outreach.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.