John Lyon, AT&T regional director for external affairs, was joined by State Senator Erica Smith-Ingram in presenting the donation during the annual kick-off celebration of the Esquires For Education Incorporated Character and College Prep Program.
“As a former teacher, I saw first-hand the impact that reading skills have on a student’s success in the classroom and confidence in themselves,” said Smith-Ingram. “Emphasizing literacy at a young age will pay significant dividends for the rest of their lives. I am so proud of the work done by all those involved in Esquires For Education Incorporated and thankful for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of young African-American men.”
(For more information regarding any of these programs, you can view the Esquires For Education website or by contacting the Esquires For Education Executive Director Tonza Ruffin Buffaloe at 252-325-4676 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
The contribution will be used in the Reading Readiness Program, which is designed to improve literacy and ultimately reduce the high school dropout rate by providing intensive coaching for young boys in the second or third grades.
“Research has found that third graders who lack proficiency in reading are four times more likely to become high school dropouts,” said Tonza Ruffin Buffaloe, executive director of Esquires For Education. “By helping students improve their phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension skills, the reading readiness program helps to keep young men on a trajectory for success later in life. We appreciate the encouragement and support of Senator Smith-Ingram as we work to guide young African-American boys down a path that leads to college instead of crime.”
Lyon said AT&T has a long history of supporting education, with an emphasis on dropout prevention programs. “We understand that there is no better way to make a lasting difference in a community than by helping support the education of its young people,” he said. “That’s why we are excited about the opportunity to work with Esquires For Education Incorporated and to support the Reading Readiness Program.”
Esquires For Education, in addition to the Reading Readiness Program, has two other programs to support young African-American males.
The first is the Character and College Prep Program designed to assist young men moving from eighth to ninth grade to ensure that they are prepared properly to be accepted and ready to attend college after high school graduation.
The second is the Community Outreach Program designed to provide the community with valuable information regarding education, and through this program provide motivational speakers, SAT/ACT Prep Informational Sessions, College Preparation Seminars and College Fairs.
