St. Charles Community College's Foundation received a $10,000 contribution from AT&T to support the Career Explorations Alliance, a program that focuses on college and career readiness through job shadowing and mentorships.


Dale Bax, vice president of Bax Engineering, spends time with students from Francis Howell, Troy Buchanan and Wentzville during the Career Explorations Alliance Fall Career Week in November.

“When professionals invest in young people and students become better-prepared for college and a career, the entire community benefits,” said Dawn Thornton, Career Explorations Alliance program manager.

The number of people participating in the program continues to grow as more students request to shadow engineers, nurses, attorneys, graphic designers and many other professionals. More than 550 students participated this November.

“Having access to this network of professionals is a tremendous help to students as they prepare for their future careers,” said John Sondag, president of AT&T. “We are encouraged to see so many students and community members working together with the college to build this outstanding program.”

Thanks to AT&T and other corporate partners, participating schools only pay a modest stipend for their students to participate. Schools include the five public school districts in St. Charles County, Lincoln County School District and St. Charles Community College.

AT&T's support for the Career Explorations Alliance is part of the company's ongoing commitment to education. AT&T's signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education through technology, social innovation and relationships to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $400 million to programs to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world.

Professionals, educators or students interested in job shadowing or mentoring should contact Dawn Thornton at dthornton@stchas.edu or 636-922-8373.

St. Charles Community College strives to provide reasonable accommodations to all people at any SCC-sponsored event. Please contact Disability Support Services at dss@stchas.edu or 636-922-8581 as early as possible to discuss your needs.

The St. Charles Community College Foundation, a 501c3 not-for profit organization, raises funds to support student scholarships and educational programs for the college. For more information on the SCC Foundation and its vision to transform lives and strengthen communities, visit www.stchas.edu/foundation. 

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.