AT&T announced a $40,000 community investment to support training Fresno State students on using artificial intelligence ethically and effectively.
The investment facilitates an expansion of the university’s DISCOVERe technology program, and is the latest in a series of grants from AT&T totaling more than $460,000 of investments in Fresno State students and programs across campus. About $300,000 of that has supported the DISCOVERe program.
“We’re committed to helping ensure that every community is able to thrive in the digital age,” said Aubrie Tone, manager for external affairs at AT&T. “AT&T is proud to invest and collaborate with Fresno State’s DISCOVERe Program, helping to provide technology access, training and support resources, and expand AI literacy training and student outreach to ensure equitable access to students across the campus community.”
Fresno State and AT&T celebrated their 30-year collaboration and AT&T’s recent support for AI training with demonstrations, a Q&A and a check presentation on March 4 at the DISCOVERe Hub on the first floor of the Fresno State Library.
Fresno State’s DISCOVERe program has supported student technology needs since 2014 by providing technology access, training and support through the Office of IDEAS (Innovation and Digital Excellence for Academic Success). As AI becomes increasingly integrated into higher education and the workforce, this investment will help Fresno State ensure students are prepared to use the tools in a meaningful way by:
- Hiring and training student assistants specializing in AI.
- Developing reusable curriculum, modules and micro-trainings.
- Hosting workshops on ethical use, productivity, accessibility and research applications of AI.
- Expanding student outreach to ensure equitable access across campus.
“While DISCOVERe makes tablets accessible to many of our students, this AT&T support ensures those devices are transformed into meaningful tools for learning, collaboration and career preparation,” said Bryan Berrett, director for the Office of IDEAS at Fresno State. “Without funding, many students may be left behind in developing AI skills that are rapidly becoming workplace essentials.”
Other AT&T community investments at Fresno State have supported food security, the Veterans Education Program, the President’s Circle for Excellence, the Dream Success Center, the Lyles College of Engineering, Fresno State athletics, the College of Arts and Humanities and The Maddy Institute.
Fresno State is in the midst of its comprehensive “Lead with Pride” campaign, an ambitious, people-driven movement to transform lives through education, discovery and community partnership. Fresno State alumni, friends and community partners helped push Fresno State’s fundraising total to its second-highest amount ever – $38.85 million – in fiscal year 2024-25.
From theatre to nursing, plant pathology and athletics, philanthropic partners invested $28.1 million in academics and $10.6 million in athletics, fueling a trajectory that continues to shape the university’s future.For more information on supporting Fresno State’s “Lead with Pride” campaign, contact 559.278.4036 or supportfresnostate@mail.fresnostate.edu.
