Corcoran receives $10,000 from local partner ATI

A.C. Corcoran Elementary School Principal Chris Holbrook recently accepted a “game-changing” donation of $10,000 from Advanced Technology International (ATI) through its Foundation to support students and families at Corcoran.

ATI is a LOCAL partner to Corcoran alongside Deer Park Baptist Church. These LOCAL partners have been working together to explore ways to help clear the current waitlist of students hoping to receive food support through the Backpack Buddy Program and the tremendous need for basic necessities such as toiletries, first aid items, clothing, school uniforms, and the reality that food disparity continues to be a significant challenge for many Corcoran families.

The budget for the Backpack Buddy Program is currently funded solely through Deer Park Baptist Church.

After learning more from school and church officials, ATI committed to giving $10,000 to help meet the immediate needs of students and families.

“We understand how critical these resources are to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn,” said Dolly Pelto, Executive Director of the ATI Foundation. “While we look forward to partnering with A.C. Corcoran to achieve its long-term educational goals, these immediate needs demanded urgent action. We are proud to step in and hope we inspire other organizations to do the same.”

Principal Holbrook said the contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact, further underscoring the awesome value of the engagement opportunities presented by the LOCAL program and Principal for a Day.

Parent Advocate Pamela Bryant is working to create a budget that will allocate these funds toward essentials such as toiletry items, the Backpack Buddy Program, basic clothing, and student uniforms.

“We are so very thankful for this local partnership and the collaboration that has continued to grow since the Principal for a Day event,” said Holbrook. “ATI’s generosity will make a tremendous impact on our students and families, and we are truly blessed to have them as a partner in supporting student learning and well-being. This is truly our one degree – we are boiling now!”

Superintendent Anita Huggins echoed the thanks for ATI’s generosity, noting that “this generous investment from ATI is truly transformative for our students.  Through our LOCAL initiative (Linking Opportunity to Classrooms and Learners) we are committed to connecting students with authentic, real-world experiences and opportunities that prepare them for bright futures. Partnerships like this bring that vision to life. We are deeply grateful to ATI for their generosity and belief in the potential of every child we serve.”