“Navigating Your Academic and Professional Future” Summit inspires local students at California State University

Hosted by AT&T and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the program bridges the digital divide while providing critical tools, resources, and opportunities for students. Watch the video recap HERE.

Carson, CA. – More than 500 high school students from the Los Angeles Unified School District gathered at California State University-Dominguez Hills to participate in the “Navigating Your Academic and Professional Future” Summit, hosted by AT&T and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). This impactful program, taking place across the country, equips students with critical tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive in their academic and professional future while bridging the digital divide and leveraging AT&T’s Achievery platform.

“It was a pleasure to attend and serve as a keynote speaker for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Navigating Your Academic & Professional Future Summit at California State University-Dominguez Hills. I enjoyed sharing my educational and professional journey as a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrants with students from local high schools, said Carmen Showmaker, External Affairs Area Manager at AT&T. “This impactful event focuses on providing academic and career guidance to high school students, paving the transition to college, and helping them acquire essential professional skills and digital credentials.”.

During the summit, students gained valuable insights through college preparation advice from professional leaders, pathways to mentorship and leadership development, and the opportunity to earn exciting digital credentials and prizes. The Achievery platform, supported by AT&T, served as a cornerstone of the summit, providing students with access to digital resources designed to prepare them for success.

“This summit taking place across the country is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “We are privileged to partner with AT&T on such a comprehensive, dynamic effort which includes AT&T volunteers who show up and share their time, knowledge and inspiration.”

This event is part of a nationwide effort by AT&T and HHF to bridge the digital divide in Latino communities. This collaboration aims to engage over 10,000 students in underserved communities across 75 cities nationwide, with key states including Texas, Georgia, California and Florida. Upcoming summits will be held in: Queens, NY (May 5-6), Dallas, TX (May 7), Albuquerque, NM (May 12-13), and Houston, TX (May 14–15), collectively hosting over 2,000 middle and high school students.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities. Learn more at ATT.com.

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org. Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact:
Nicolás Peña for HHF, [email protected]