Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants — totaling more than $47.8 million — to organizations across the country. So far this year, 680 nonprofit organizations nationwide have benefited from nearly $9 million through the competitive program. This year, the AT&T Foundation expanded the Excelerator grant program for the first time to include AT&T Southeast's nine-state service area.

"University Hospitals is very pleased to partner with the AT&T Foundation in a technology initiative aimed at providing access to valuable health information to the underserved in our community," said Dr. Fred C. Rothstein, president of University Hospitals Case Medical Center. "Thanks to the support of AT&T, those who visit UH's Otis Moss Jr. Medical Center, located in Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood, will be able to use a computerized kiosk to access educational health-management information and video presentations regarding topics such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, asthma and other conditions that are prevalent in this community. This funding provides an exciting dimension to our outreach health services and supports our 141-year mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover."

"In today's fast-paced world, technology is a vital component to the success of nonprofit organizations that do not always have the funds to properly use cost-saving technologies," said state Sen. Shirley Smith, who represents University Hospitals in her legislative district. "Personally seeing the benefits of technology at organizations such as University Hospitals demonstrates the increased need to properly fund and equip such efforts."

"Our local non-profit organizations serve an essential role in our community," added state Rep. Sandra Williams, who represents Magnolia Clubhouse Inc. in her legislative district. "Each and every one of the organizations receiving a grant today offer opportunities to help change lives for the better. They are all truly deserving of these generous gifts."

The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofits integrate technology into their operations and community outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools in the hands of the underserved populations that the nonprofits work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.

"For the past six years, the AT&T Excelerator program has demonstrated the importance of how technology can benefit communities and organizations," said Connie Browning, president of AT&T Ohio. "University Hospitals and other organizations in the Cleveland area will continue to use technology funded by this program to empower the community and change the lives of the people whom they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend our state and local officials for their dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in northeastern Ohio and understanding the vital role that technology plays in their success."

The 2007 AT&T Excelerator grant recipients from the Cleveland area illustrate the innovative ways technology can be employed to meet their missions:

Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland will use its $16,054 grant to support an upgrade to the computer lab for underserved students in the after-school and summer programs to improve basic computer skills and academic performance and to explore technology-related careers.
Cleveland Scholarship Programs Inc. will use its $5,000 grant to support the purchase of laptop computers, which will enable the organization's advisers to assist minority students with college preparatory work, college admissions requirements and financial aid requests.
Magnolia Clubhouse Inc. (Cleveland) will use its $25,000 grant to support the center, which is for the mentally ill, with an overhaul of its outdated computer technology. This upgrade will allow members to enhance their pursuit of education and employment opportunities.
Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland will use its $5,000 grant to support diabetes awareness and education through the production and distribution of a video and Web-based seminar entitled 'Getting the Message Out.'
Towards Employment Inc. (Cleveland) will use its $14,800 grant to support the development of an interactive Web site for the Achieve program, which works with employers to ensure job stability and self-sufficiency for minorities transitioning from welfare and those who have a criminal background.
University Hospitals Health System Inc. (Cleveland) will use its $25,000 grant to support access to online education about health issues that primarily affect African-Americans through a health information kiosk, available at a neighborhood medical center.
University Settlement Inc. (Cleveland) will use its $15,000 grant to support the creation of a Web site by minority students, aged 14 to 18, for the Broadway Collaborative, which partners neighborhood families with agencies that address family welfare.
Project Love Remember the Children Foundation (Beachwood) will use its $5,000 grant to support the Power of Kindness workshop with an upgrade of computer and audiovisual equipment. This will enable the foundation to continue offering its workshops about the culture of kindness and caring to Ohio teens.
Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio (Cleveland) will use its $25,000 grant to support youth-diversity education through the 'Reel Time' video series provided to classrooms throughout northeastern Ohio.
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the Cleveland area and the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:

Internet Access — networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.
Data Networking — network connectivity that enables easy sharing of database applications and information systems.
Online Outreach — interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising.
Staff Technology Capacity — technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members.
Pooled Technology Resources — programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.
In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.-AT&T