General

MIAMI, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Many older Americans discover that they need to develop new skills to remain active in the community and competitive in today's job market. Learning the basic tasks, such as saving phone numbers and setting up speed-dial numbers can be a tremendous help, especially in emergency situations.

AT&T Florida and OASIS, a national nonprofit educational organization designed to enhance the quality of life for people age 50 and older, partnered to provide free training sessions for mature adults. In Miami, they are partnering with Elevate Miami to bring these sessions to Miami's seniors. These sessions provided one-on-one interaction, pairing adults 50 and older with volunteer AT&T representatives October 20 & 21, 2009. The event at Antonio Maceo Park is targeted to improve the lives of Miami's Spanish speaking seniors.

October 20, 2009 - Hadley Park 1300 NW 50th St. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
October 21, 2009 - Antonio Maceo Park 5135 NW 7th St 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

These sessions are part of a series of OASIS technology training classes offered in 26 cities across the United States through support from the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. Using the OASIS model as a guide, AT&T teams in various states will begin reaching out to other organizations and facilities serving mature adults, throughout the year.

Representatives will also be available to sign up eligible participants for the Lifeline Assistance and Link Up Florida programs. Lifeline and Link Up are public programs that help consumers save money on their monthly telephone bill.

"We are pleased to have launched this important and popular program for mature adults, who increasingly look to their cell phones as a mode of communication with the outside world," said Marcia Kerz, President of OASIS. "It's unusual for any company to offer free programs like this, which are a hit because seniors can learn in a comfortable setting. Too often, they get intimidated and they feel their children talk and instruct them too quickly. The participants have responded very positively to the information they learned."

Kerz also pointed to the reality that technology skills are becoming more necessary, and that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.4 percent of U.S. workers -- more than 40 million people -- were 55 or older in 2005, a figure that will rise to 20 percent by 2015. The "New Face of Work" survey by MetLife and Civic Ventures showed that half of adults aged 50 to 70 are interested in taking jobs, paid or unpaid, to improve the quality of life in their communities.

In addition, more than 77% of people age 55 to 64 have mobile phones, according to cell phone tracker M:Metrics. The share of the entire U.S. population owning mobile phones is 86%. "AT&T is committed to supporting lifelong learning programs that enrich and strengthen underserved communities," said Rich Guidotti, vice president and general manager of AT&T's South Florida wireless market. "Through the local OASIS programs, we're able to improve the quality of life for mature adults in the Miami area and offer the right tools and educational resources to learn how to use technology in their everyday lives."

AT&T and the AT&T Foundation support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly initiatives with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. During the past five years, the AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $5.7 million in grants to organizations serving mature adults across the country.

"It is a unique opportunity for Elevate Miami partners like AT&T and OASIS to bring this much-needed training to our senior citizens, at City ePark locations," said Peter Korinis, City of Miami Chief Information Officer. "Elevate Miami has had great success connecting people to the power of various technology tools, and we're grateful to be able to provide this opportunity in our City."

Since 1996, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $439 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation is among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States and was ranked by Forbes magazine among the most generous corporate foundations in 2006.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Elevate Miami:
Created under the leadership of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Elevate Miami prepares all residents and businesses of Miami for a leadership position in the global economy, establishing public and private partnerships that facilitate affordable technology, including mobile and low-cost internet access, employable skills sets and economic opportunities for all Miamians. The program is a comprehensive, life-long approach focused on the accessibility and affordability of technology and free training for youth, adults, senior citizens and small businesses. For more information, visit us at http://www.elevatemiami.com or contact 305-416-1538.

About OASIS:
The OASIS Institute is a national education organization that strengthens communities by providing lifelong learning and service opportunities that inspire mature adults to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. For more information visit http://www.oasisnet.org.

About Linking Solutions:
Linking Solutions Inc provides education and outreach services for the Lifeline Assistance & Link Up Florida programs. It also advocates for legislation & regulatory initiatives to ensure access for economically disadvantaged consumers.

About Philanthropy at AT&T:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T Inc.:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: The Spanish version of this release will be available later today at http://www.hispanicprwire.com

SOURCE AT&T Inc.: