AT&T Donates $25,000 to the Stars of Tomorrow Youth Program at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

Cocoa, Florida- January 6, 2016 – AT&T demonstrates its support for the youth program in the arts and the historic community by donating to the Stars of Tomorrow at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse.

Since 1992, the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse has provided an outlet for the youth of Brevard County to develop their life-management skills and further their education through the performing arts.

AT&T has awarded the Stars program $25,000 to help fund the program and its efforts in their 26^th Season which includes training in acting, dance, and voice to prepare them for the presentation of ARISTOCATS KIDS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR., and BACK TO THE 80’S. A special Sensory Sensitive performance, now in its 3^rd year of production, is open to persons of all ages.

The program includes a new branch which will provide assistance with students applying and entering college, as well as assist them in maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

“Education is a vital part of the Stars program,” says Dr. Anastacia Hawkins-Smith, Executive Director of the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, “we encourage children to cherish their education and help them reach their goals in whatever discipline they might choose.”

The Stars program is designed to provide a positive experience for children in Brevard County who might not necessarily have access to the arts. It supports the children’s professional and personal goals and also equips them with the skills necessary to achieve their goals.  

“AT&T’s has supported the arts for over half a century, grounded in the belief that the arts are an critical element in the education of our youth,“ said Troy McNichols, Regional Director – Florida External Affairs “We are excited about the opportunity to join the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse and the Stars Program to provide this unique program to wider audiences in the community.”  

“We are honored that AT&T is donating to the children of our community,” says Scott Baughan, president of the Board of Directors, “this donation demonstrates that a company the size of AT&T is aware of the needs throughout the Space Coast community and is willing to take action to ensure that the arts have a presence in our lives. AT&T understands that the arts can connect one another in meaningful and life-changing ways.”

Hawkins-Smith is confident that “not only is AT&T investing in the arts, but they are investing in the future of our children.”

Contact:                                                                                                                        

Dr. Anastacia Hawkins-Smith, staci@cocoavillageplayhouse.com, 321-591- 5007

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.