Berlin Upbeat Receives AT&T Innovation Award, $10,000 Grant

For the past 25 years, the Berlin Upbeat program has offered opportunities for youth, providing leadership training and skills as well as giving a chance for local students to give back.

Now AT&T is giving back to the organization after partnering with House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz and Berlin Mayor Rachel Rochette to present a $10,000 check to the group as winners of the AT&T Innovation Award Thursday at Berlin High School.

“This donation will help us further our mission and give more students the tools that they will need to succeed in school and careers,” stated Alice Mitchell, Director of the Berlin Upbeat Program. “AT&T Connecticut’s contribution is great news for Berlin students and we certainly appreciate their generosity.”

The Berlin Upbeat Program is a 25 year old, comprehensive school and community-based character development and leadership training program.

Its goal is to encourage the youth of Berlin to develop sound decision making skills and to provide opportunities for positive community involvement and service.

The Berlin Upbeat Program will conduct a leadership training workshop for 117 students in grades 9-12 at Camp Woodstock in Woodstock, Conn., from May 16 - 18. The leadership training weekend will provide a curriculum-based learning experience that will help to develop the leadership and life skills of the student members.

“The UpBeat Program broadens the lives of Berlin’s young people by giving them the training and leadership skills they need to reach their full potential and succeed in the real world, none of which would be possible without the leadership of Alice Mitchell, who pours her heart and soul into the program,” Aresimowicz said. “Thank you to AT&T for this generous grant to help support the UpBeat Program."

“It is wonderful to see a local business support such a fantastic cause.," Rochette said. "Alice Mitchell and all the kids involved in the UpBeat program will use this money to serve and provide community outreach to all the residents of Berlin."

Kinson Perry, Director of External Affairs for AT&T Connecticut, said the grant is designed to provide a boost for the organization, supporting an effort to give students the skills to exceed in college and beyond.

“We’re proud to help play a role in the development of the Berlin UpBeat Program and look forward to its success,” Perry said.

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