Meridian, Ms., based Mobile Solutions, an award winning authorized retailer of AT&T products and services announced today they have partnered with Clarkdale High School to sponsor a business-to-student mentoring program that includes a $500.00 college scholarship. The mentoring program, which begins this semester, is the result of the business and education sectors coming together at the perfect time according to Carroll Blackledge, Mobile Solutions Area Director.

    “Keyes (Keyes Kennard, President of Mobile Solutions) asked me to see if I could find a school that would be willing to participate with us in a business-to-student mentoring program. And when I called and spoke to Mrs. Thomas (Principal at Clarkdale High School) she explained to me that she and her staff had just been discussing how they could get students more involved with local businesses. As it worked out the timing was perfect. Now, just a few short weeks later the program is in place and our first student starts this week.”

    The mentoring program, which last week was unanimously approved by the Lauderdale County School Board revolves around six primary goals that include providing students with real work experience, increasing student’s sense of responsibility, providing students motivation to continue their education, helping students to develop additional skills in the application of theory to practical work situations, providing students with the functional activities of a “real” business and providing students with a means of testing their interest in a particular field of work.

    According to Blackledge, the students will be actively involved at Mobile Solutions Highway 39 retail location approximately five hours per week and will spend time shadowing employees in virtually every aspect of the business. Following the completion of the semester-long program the student will receive a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.

    Those who have worked to develop the mentoring program see it as a win for everyone involved.

    “I’m so excited about our partnership with AT&T Mobile Solutions and the mentoring program,” said Cheryl Thomas, Principal of Clarkdale High School. “Not only will this benefit our students here at Clarkdale, but it could very well open the door for other businesses to partner with other schools in the area. And as a high school administrator, I see local businesses coming along side high school students as a great thing for the students as well as the businesses.”

    The program’s inaugural student, Clarkdale senior Luke Birchett is equally excited about being selected to participate in the program.

    “I am very excited to have this opportunity that AT&T Mobile Solutions has blessed me with. This job will prepare me in the business world and hopefully reward me with a career in telecommunications.”

    According to Mobile Solutions President Keyes Kennard, the mentoring program is just the right thing to do.

    “At Mobile Solutions one of our core values is to give back to the community that has been so good to us. What better way to do that than to provide an environment that teaches students to maximize their potential and encourages them to continue their education. We think it’s a win for everyone.”

    For more information about the business-to-student mentoring program and to find out how your business or school can participate in a business-to-student mentoring program contact Cheryl Thomas, Principal, Clarkdale High School 601 693 4463, or Carroll Blackledge, Area Director, Mobile Solutions, 601 622 7277.

    Mobile Solutions is an award winning   Meridian, Mississippi based AT&T authorized retailer for all AT&T products and services and has been serving customers in Mississippi since 2003.