AT&T’s Aspire Accelerator is looking for disruptive edtech orgs

Easing STEM skill-building for students is the focus of AT&T’s Aspire Accelerator program, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a $1 million Skills Building Challenge.

As part of the challenge, the telecommunications company will look to back eight edtech nonprofits and companies with $125,000 in funding during the six-month program. AT&T execs and thought leaders in the education and skills-building space will contribute guidance as the companies go through the accelerator.

“We must find innovative ways to get students the skills they need to keep up in an economy increasingly driven by technological advances such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality,” said Charlene Lake, SVP of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer at AT&T. “Every company, including AT&T, wants a pipeline of skilled talent coming through the door.”

Companies can participate in the program remotely and get access to UI/UX design services, education conferences and be included in the broader AT&T Aspire initiative, a corporate responsibility push to promote advancement in education, skilling and career readiness.

Companies and nonprofits interested in the program should apply by Feb. 1.

Here’s a quick video on the accelerator program: