Sixteen Pennsylvania Nonprofit Groups Receive More Than $191,000 in Internet Safety Grants From the Verizon Foundation

Sixteen nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania have received grants totaling $191,300 from the Verizon Foundation to raise awareness of Internet safety and to offer educational outreach services to students, parents and educators.

"Verizon's business is centered on broadband technology, so we want to help people harness that technology safely and effectively," said Gale Y. Given,  president of Verizon Pennsylvania.  "Doing so will help them better understand and deal with the complexities of living in a digital world."

Grants have been awarded to the following nonprofit organizations:

• Anti-Defamation League, Philadelphia - $24,800.
• Bar Association of Lehigh Valley, Allentown - $15,000.
• Berks Economic Partnership, Reading - $12,000.
• Business Cares, Doylestown - $5,000.
• Camp Hill School District, Camp Hill - $13,000.
• Central Dauphin High School, Harrisburg - $5,000.
• The Chester County Chamber Foundation, Malvern - $20,000.
• Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry, Wilkes-Barre - $15,000.
• Keystone Junior Senior High School, Knox - $6,500.
• North Penn School District Educational Foundation, Lansdale - $10,000.
• Quakertown Community School District, Quakertown - $7,500.
• Steel Valley School District, Munhall - $15,000.
• Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Pottstown - $2,500.
• Urban League of Philadelphia, Philadelphia - $15,000.
• YWCA of Bucks County, Trevose - $10,000.
• Wayne County Community Foundation, Honesdale - $15,000.

The Verizon Foundation invests in programs and organizations that help law enforcement officers investigate Internet-related crimes against children and that educate parents and caregivers about measures they can take to help children understand the concept of digital literacy to get the most enjoyment from their online experiences.

"Our children are growing up in a digital world where they communicate, learn and share ideas as never before," said Given.  "By partnering with Verizon, these local organizations will help individuals learn to use technology constructively, to embrace it and to safely enjoy the full benefits that the broadband experience delivers."

Another valuable resource available to assist the nonprofits in their educational outreach efforts is Verizon's Thinkfinity program (www.thinkfinity.org), which contains thousands of free, engaging educational resources that make learning fun.  In addition to providing resources from the nation's leading educational organizations, Verizon Thinkfinity also offers a comprehensive professional-development program. 

"Verizon helps children and teens protect themselves and their identities through the online safety resources offered through the Verizon Thinkfinity program," said Given.  "With these resources, teachers and parents will be armed with information on how students can stay safe while using the Internet and developing online profiles, as well as how to evaluate Internet content for quality and safety."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Verizon Thinkfinity (www.thinkfinity.org), and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 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 $26.1 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 5 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 more than 93 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 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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