The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, awarded a $125,000 grant on Thursday (April 14) to One Economy to support education and leadership programs at three Delta region high schools.
The grant, announced at a ceremony at the Governor's Conference Room at the state Capitol, is the second part of a $250,000 commitment the Verizon Foundation made to support One Economy's Digital Connectors program at Dumas, Osceola and Lake Village high schools. Gov. Mike Beebe participated in the announcement.
Through the program, students will develop leadership skills and receive technology training that provides the skills necessary to compete in today's economy. Those students will then volunteer in their communities, offering more than 4,000 hours of service.
Verizon Foundation President Rose Kirk said: "As a native Arkansan, and an individual very familiar with the needs of the Delta region, it gives me great pride to continue this investment in Arkansas' youth. The Digital Connectors program will allow these wonderful young people to develop the leadership, technological and community-oriented skills they will need to be successful in whatever career they choose."
Alan Greenlee, One Economy's vice president of programs, said: "Digital Connectors recognizes young people's natural affinity for embracing new technology. Through Verizon's generous grant, we are able to create a new generation of technology ambassadors who will promote digital training and inclusion throughout the Delta region."
Supporting the use of technology in education is a key mission for the Verizon Foundation. In addition to supporting programs such as One Economy, the foundation also supports education through Thinkfinity.org, an interactive online program that provides thousands of free educational resources for use in and out of the classroom.
"Our industry is advancing at an incredible pace every day, so it's critical that today's students receive technology training, and receive it as early as possible," said Steve Smith, president - South Central region, Verizon Wireless. "The benefit of this program is twofold; students receive valuable training, and in turn, they give back to their communities."
The Verizon Foundation uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
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