Courtesy of Hampton University
Hampton University seniors Sarah ‘Lee’ Buckner and Amber Anderson were announced as members of AT&T’s Dream in Black second Rising Future Makers Class. The 2022 class honors 25 students, all from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who are making a positive impact in their communities and on their campuses.
“This moment is one of my biggest accomplishments ever,” said Bucker. “Being an AT&T Rising Future has been on my vision board since early this summer. I’m honored that AT&T sees me and wants to help me take my dreams to the next level. I prayed for this moment, and it’s finally here.”
“Becoming an AT&T rising future maker, is an absolute dream turned to reality,” said Anderson. “I am now able to continue fulfilling my passion of running my nonprofit black is gold and positively impacting the lives of young women who look like me”
An extension of AT&T’s Dream in Black Future Makers program, Rising Future Makers reflects AT&T’s continued commitment to empower diverse communities. As AT&T works to help bridge the digital divide, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and HBCU students, AT&T will provide access to technology and resources that connect the students to greater possibility.
“We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and only 25 selected,” said Betsy Francis, Vice President / General Manager of AT&T Mid Atlantic. “These two fromHampton University are talented individuals that stood out because of their selfless work, extreme talent, and their purpose to do good for others and support their community and future youth.”
Both Hampton students received $5,000 presented by AT&T 5G, an iPhone 13 with one year of AT&T service, among other gifts. They also will get professional workshop opportunities, including mentoring sessions with AT&T executives aimed at growing their network and furthering their career opportunities.
The Dream in Black Rising Future Makers program is geared towards promoting young Black talent and ensuring they have access to the network and resources they need to realize greater possibility. The inaugural class of 2021 saw tremendous success from the program, and many have graduated to begin their careers in tech, law, health, and politics with connections made through the opportunity. Beyond the initial workshops and networking opportunities, AT&T continued to support the future makers with exposure to hands-on opportunities that would further their dreams, including broadcast segments alongside actress and content creator Tabitha Brown as well as participating in panel discussions with AT&T executives at the 2022 Essence Music Festival.
Current Rising Future Makers will participate in a development workshop available exclusively to the students, where they can learn key tips on how to personally brand and pitch themselves to executive leaders. Within the experience, the inaugural class of Rising Future Makers and the 2022 class will be invited to attend networking opportunities and provide ongoing feedback, related to the program.
