ATT Awards $30,000 to the ICFJ
AT&T announced a contribution of $30,000 to the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) for a special three week training program offered at the University of Guadalajara’s new Digital Journalism Center. This is the first corporate donation awarded to the program, demonstrating how AT&T is dedicated to innovation and progress.
The center, newly launched in September, is a collaboration that will educate journalists in Latin America on the digital news and public news field. The specific part that AT&T’s contribution will go towards is the course entitled Digital Tools for Effective Public Service Journalism. This course will focus on topics geared towards the public of Mexico, namely education, health, and development; and how these topics can utilize digital tools.
The President of ICFJ, Joyce Barnathan, said “AT&T’s contribution will give Latin American journalists the tools, techniques and know-how to embrace the digital era.” Barnathan added, “This will make a huge difference in the quality of coverage in local communities throughout the region.”
AT&T’s Sales Center Vice President for Mexico, Walter Bona, said “Our commitment to the region goes far beyond our business.” He added, “Being part of the Digital Journalism Center’s initiative is a way for us to contribute with Latin American professionals to be better prepared to report news in light of the increased globalization in communications.”
The program will accept ten participants, based on quality of previous work, and the ability to implement the new knowledge immediately upon finishing the course. The ten participants will be taught by professionals with all the necessary credentials in reporting and database research. Most of the course will be available online; however one week of the three will necessitate students to study in Guadalajara. AT&T’s awarded $30,000 will cover the costs of this stay for all the participants and trainers.