EMSCNJ receives $7,000 AT&T contribution to support cadet scholarships

SAYREVILLE — AT&T has contributed $7,000 to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) cadet scholarship program.

The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, now doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the Garden State.

Today Althea Yancy, Regional Director, AT&T, presented EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. with a check, which will be used to expand the organization’s cadet scholarship program.

“We distribute scholarships twice a year, as our budget allows,” Walsh said. “We always receive many more applications than we can fund, so unfortunately, we can’t accommodate every deserving cadet.”

So far this year, the EMSCNJ has awarded eight $1,000 cadet scholarships to high school seniors who were active volunteers on their Council-affiliated squads and planned to attend college this Fall.  Fifty-one cadets applied. A selection committee at Raritan Valley Community College reviewed the applications and selected the recipients.

The EMSCNJ also awarded six $1,000 Gail Lawrence Memorial Scholarships to graduate students pursuing medical-related careers and who also are active squad participants.

“AT&T’s generosity will enable us to assist more of our worthy cadets who otherwise might be turned down for scholarships, simply because we don’t have the funds,” Walsh said. “This is an investment not only in the future of volunteer EMS, but also our communities.”

The EMSCNJ also supports the annual cadet competition in Keyport, which drew approximately 150 New Jersey and New York cadets in June, and arranges for cadets to attend a free, full day of the October conference each year.

Yancy said the contribution is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative that helps provide access to the education and training people need to get and keep good jobs.

“AT&T is committed to assisting New Jersey’s youth in exploring their talents, skills and strengths, which we hope will help guide them as they make career choices,” said Yancy.  “We’re proud to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s cadet scholarship program in its mission to encourage and support volunteerism and academic achievement, particularly among young members.”