Bell Atlantic Foundation Supports After-School Programs

Bell Atlantic Foundation Supports After-School Programs

$375,000 Grant Aids Efforts at 47 New York City Schools

February 25, 1999

NEW YORK -- As part of its continuing commitment to "America's
Promise - The Alliance for Youth," the Bell Atlantic Foundation is
providing $375,000 in support of after-school programs at 47 locations
throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Speaking during a press conference at P.S. 110 in Manhattan today,
Suzanne DuBose, president of the Bell Atlantic Foundation, said:
"Providing safe havens for our children after school is among our most
pressing societal needs. Our support for such programs here in New York
City and elsewhere along the East Coast reflects a commitment that Bell
Atlantic made during the President's Summit for America's Future in 1997.
We're pleased to partner with the educational and non-profit communities
in this vital endeavor."

The after-school programs to which the Bell Atlantic Foundation has lent
its support are run by non-profit agencies in conjunction with the New
York City Public Schools. After-school programs are supported by the
Chancellor's office as part of the school system's "Expanded Learning
Platform," incorporating new academic standards for our city's school
children.

The United Way of New York City will distribute the funds to 47 public
schools and youth agencies. Funds will be matched by the Open Society
Institute, founded by philanthropist George Soros, who called today's
press conference along with New York City Schools Chancellor Rudy
Crew. The Institute is a private grant-making foundation that supports
educational reform. Last year it established the After-School Corporation,
a non-profit agency that works with public schools and other youth-
serving non-profits to provide worthwhile after-school activities.

Gratified by the initial response to the after-school programs, Lucy
Friedman, president of The After-School Corporation, said: "These
programs are making a difference for children, while giving working
parents an extra measure of comfort, knowing that their children are safe
and engaged in stimulating environments after school."

The Bell Atlantic Foundation supports a variety of projects domestically
and internationally, with an emphasis on new technology applications in
education, health and human services, the arts and humanities, and civic
development in the communities served by Bell Atlantic. For more
information, visit www.bellatlanticfoundation.com on the Internet.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With more than 42 million telephone access lines
and 8.6 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies
are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services,
market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of
directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's
largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with
operations and investments in 23 countries.