AT&T helped some exceptional Morehouse and Clark Atlanta students make their dreams a big reality on Thursday, December 9, at an awards ceremony in Atlanta honoring AT&T’s Rising Future Makers program.
The AT&T Rising Future Makers program, which was founded earlier this year, set out to identify 25 Black students at HBCUs across the country who’ve already made a big impact in their communities and have clear visions for the future. This initiative continues AT&T’s ongoing commitment to empower future leaders and dedicate resources to initiatives that foster economic growth and innovation within this educational community. It is an extension of AT&T’s Dream in Black Future Maker program – an annual selection of leaders, innovators and activists who are dreaming big and making a difference.
As part of the AT&T Rising Future Makers program, AT&T gave each honoree $5,000 cash to help them build the bright future he or she has envisioned – as well as access to celebrity mentors like NBA Champion J.R. Smith and actress and entrepreneur La La Anthony. Honorees were also given additional support, including a new iPhone and unlimited cell service for a year.
Four of the final award winners attend Atlanta-area HBCUs. They include:
Kawika Smith / Student at Morehouse / Kawika is focused on ending discriminatory college admission practices.
Joshua Burrell / Student at Morehouse / Manager of the Morehouse newspaper, Joshua is passionate about multimedia innovation and storytelling.
Amari Matthews / Student at Clark Atlanta / A first-generation college student, Amare is focused on theater and performing arts.
Rollin Jackson, Jr., / Student at Morehouse / Rollin is passionate about mission work and serving as a Scout leader in underfunded areas.
“The excellence in the submissions we received from around the country speak to the power and impact that HBCU students are already having and that we seek to amplify through Dream In Black initiatives,” said Angela Burgin, Director of Marketing and Special Experiences, AT&T. “We are thrilled to recognize dynamic HBCU students for their amazing accomplishments and are excited to enable greater possibilities as they rise and endeavor to become leaders in their communities.”
More on our inaugural class of Rising Future Makers is online here.
Last updated on December 13, 2021