After-School Enrichment Program Receives $20,000 From Verizon to Improve Literacy Skills of East Oakland Youth

The Allen Temple Foundation Learning Center has received a $20,000 grant from Verizon to expand the center's after-school enrichment program.  The grant brings to $50,000 the funding that the center has received from Verizon since 2007 to reach out to disadvantaged youth.  

The latest grant will be used to provide 120 additional youth in east Oakland with an after-school curriculum that seeks to improve literacy skills through training in computer skills, math, science, language arts and music. The program also improves behavior by boosting students' confidence in their abilities and teaching constructive conflict-resolution skills.   

"This grant allows Allen Temple to enhance our programs and promotes our objective as a model for innovative and collaborative support for families and children who are economically disadvantaged in our community," said the Rev. Eunice Shaw, Allen Temple social services minister.

According to Elva Lima, Verizon vice president for strategic programs, "Investing in our communities by supporting organizations that make a positive impact in the lives of others is part of Verizon's long-standing tradition. Through these grants, the Allen Temple Foundation has been able to prepare our youth to better compete in a 21st century economy."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: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 more than 86 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 237,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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