As schools across the country began closing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students and teachers quickly began adjusting to distance learning and new instructional methods. Luckily, DECA and AT&T were there to help!
The necessary changes to daily life and routines led to cancellations of special events for many students. For students in the #DECAATTProject, this meant numerous in-person events with AT&T mentors, end-of-the-year celebrations and visits to workplaces with dedicated volunteers were canceled.
Coming to the rescue as creative collaborators, AT&T volunteers, Community Engagement staff and DECA educators immediately began brainstorming creative ways for students and mentors to stay connected. Many AT&T volunteers have been trained through Nepris, an online platform that virtually connects industry professionals around the world with students – whether in the classroom or at home – to bring real-world relevance to daily learning, in short, 30-minute micro engagements. Using Nepris, AT&T volunteers are now creating sessions for teachers and students on a variety of business and marketing-related topics. All DECA advisors and students are able to use Nepris for free through April 30.
In addition, through a generous contribution from AT&T, students in the #DECAATTProject and their families are receiving assistance from DECA to meet their immediate needs during the pandemic. The students and their families are grateful for the contributions to ensure that they can continue learning and eating during this time. One student summed it up by saying,
“I’m touched beyond words. Thank you for everything that you and AT&T do for your students. This will help out our family tons. Thank you again!”
The students and volunteers look forward to seeing each other again in person one day. Until then, they will have memories of previous visits and the added benefit of virtual sessions.
Click here to learn more about the #DECAATTProject.
