For more information, contact: Audrey Chang On Behalf of AT&T 202-295-8779 Audrey.Chang@harbourgrp.

com Dan Langan For AT&T 717-571-1743

dan@langanpublicaffairs.com

TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND, AT&T TEAM UP FOR STEM ROUNDTABLE

Event highlights importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to Marylands continued economic competitiveness HANOVER, MD. APRIL 12, 2012 AT&T and the Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) today joined forces to host a panel discussion on the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to Marylands continued economic competitiveness. The event, which was held at AT&Ts regional headquarters in Hanover, brought together business, government and academic leaders in Maryland to discuss one of the most important topics facing the states technology and life sciences community.

Panelists discussed how STEM education impacts the current and future technology and life science workforce as well as the efforts underway in the state to ensure STEM education is a priority for todays curriculum. The leaders also addressed how the efficacy and impact of current STEM education initiatives are being measured, along with how STEM initiatives and resources in the public and private sectors are collaborating keep Maryland competitive.

"The Tech Council of Maryland's members understand the importance of STEM education's impact on technology and life science companies, said Art Jacoby, interim CEO of TCM. "That's why we have developed important programs and events such as the STEM Roundtable and our MdBio Foundation's MdBioLab, which is a mobile science classroom that teaches STEM to high school students across the state."

Denis Dunn, AT&Ts regional vice president for external affairs in Maryland, moderated the discussion and highlighted the myriad reasons why AT&T is committed to advancing and supporting STEM education in Maryland and nationwide. STEM will drive this country and Maryland forward, said Dunn, who added that many high paying STEM jobs go unfulfilled because candidates lack the necessary technical skills, training or postsecondary degrees.

Dunn said that in the next six years, nationwide, STEM jobs are projected to grow by 17 percent compared to fewer than 10 percent for other professions. He cited studies that show 2.8 million STEM job openings are predicted while nearly one fourth of all students fail to graduate with their class. Thats why a STEM focus is included in the expansion of AT&T Aspire, a quarter-billion-dollar campaign planned over five years to help more students graduate from high school prepared for STEMrelated careers and college, Dunn added.

Dunn also highlighted recent AT&T efforts to promote STEM in Maryland, including a $200,000 contribution to the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education to support the creation of the STEMNet Teachers Hub, a one-stop-shop where STEM teachers can find the resources, support and professional connections they need to strengthen STEM teaching and learning statewide. AT&T also made a $30,000 contribution to the TCM Foundation to support STEM educational programs.

Other panelists included: Donna Clem, Coordinator of STEM Initiatives, Maryland State Department of Education; Edward Eisenstein, Investigator, University System of Marylands Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research; Robert Hannon, President/Chief Executive Officer, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation; Dr. Sanjay Rai, Vice President and Provost, Montgomery College; Quiana Smith, Licensing Sales Specialist, Microsoft; and June Streckfus, Executive Director, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education.

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Web Site Links: AT&T Web Site AT&T Wireless Web Site About the AT&T Mobile Broadband Network Related Releases AT&T and United Way Release Family Engagement for High School Success Toolkit AT&T Announces Quarter-Billion-Dollar Expansion Of Education Commitment AT&T Invests More Than $625 Million in Maryland from 2009 through 2011 to Improve Local Networks About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates AT&T operating companies are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nations fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloudbased services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse and AT&T DIRECTV brands. The companys suite of IPbased business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 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. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. About the Tech Council of Maryland The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCMs mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com. Related Media Kits: Wireless Networks AT&T Wireless Network News http://www.techcoucilmd.com Related Fact Sheets AT&T Aspire: Helping Students Prepare for the Future