Sen. Fasano Applauds AT&T’s $10,000 Grant to Pathways Academy

Pathways Academy, an educational program offered by the Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut, helps local students explore potential career paths and  learn professional development skills.

NEW HAVEN – AT&T recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut, a New Haven-based nonprofit agency that provides diverse support services to children and families throughout Connecticut. AT&T’s grant will support the agency’s Pathways Academy Transition Services Program, based in East Haven.

Pathways Academy is an educational program that helps local students, beginning in the eighth grade, start thinking about what comes after high school graduation. The program was developed to help young students prepare for the difficult transition after high school, whether that means continuing their education at a college or technical school or securing their first job.

Over the course of the program, participating students are led through a series of workshops that help them develop a professional portfolio, explore possible career paths, and learn important life skills like financial literacy. The program also helps juniors and seniors connect with local businesses and secure internships or full-time jobs.

“Whether it’s starting high school, graduating from college, or even getting married or starting your first career, life is filled with so-called next steps. Taking these steps is never easy,” said Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-North Haven), who also represents East Haven. “That’s why it’s so important to our local community to support programs like the Pathways Academy. I applaud AT&T for supporting this important organization, and I thank everyone at the Pathways Academy for their tireless work on behalf of our local youth.”

“The Pathways Academy’s hands-on approach to professional development training goes a long way to ensuring our community’s future is in good hands,” said Kelly Bettuchi, External Affairs Director, AT&T Connecticut. “We at AT&T are proud to support this worthy cause, and we look forward to seeing this year’s group of participating students enjoy successful futures.”

“We are incredibly grateful for AT&T’s generosity, and we applaud the company for its commitment to helping local children earn the skills and life experiences that are necessary for future success,” said David Abrams, Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut.“Thanks to this grant, our Pathways Academy program will be able to reach many more students across the state.”

About Pathways Academy

Pathways Academy provides a comprehensive educational program to middle and high students between the ages of 11 to 21 who require a more structured environment to meet their emotional, behavioral, and learning needs.  They serve a diverse student population, including those students identified as emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, and other health impaired. The program is designed to educate children and adolescents within a safe, supportive environment while preparing them for a successful return to their local public schools.  Learn more at https://www.ccp-ct.org/pathways-academy .

Instructions: Post under press releases. Photo caption: Bill Millard, Principal of Pathways Academy; Kelly Wade Bettuchi, External Affairs Director of AT&T Connecticut; Jeanette Sykes, Program Director of Transition Services at Pathways Academy; David Abrams, Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Community Programs of Connecticut; and Senator Len Fasano.