Verizon Spearheads Innovative Program To Interest Delaware Students in Technology

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Ninth-grade students from throughout Delaware will learn about high-tech jobs and the skills they'll need to compete in the

workforce of the future in an innovative two-day, career-planning event at Wilmington's Riverfront Arts Center April 4 and 5.

Verizon Foundation is a primary sponsor of Tech Summit 2001, which was organized by the Wilmington Enterprise Community and The Partnership, Inc., an

affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Some 4,000 students are expected to get a first-hand look at how professionals in a wide range of careers use advanced technology. There will be dozens of

exhibits and presentations featuring high-tech careers in telecommunications, information technology, biotechnology and life sciences, health care, space and

aeronautics and publishing and visual arts.

The event is designed to acquaint students with high-tech skills and concepts through hands-on experience. For example, students will be encouraged to check

out fiber-optic technology that is transforming communications. In addition, Tech Summit 2001 attendees can take home brochures and other materials that

describe high-tech industries as well as education and training requirements, salary levels and career paths in these businesses.

"As one of Delaware's largest private employers, Verizon realizes how important it is to help schools and communities prepare students for the

workplace," said Joshua W. Martin III, president of Verizon Delaware. "As a company that is on the cutting edge of technology, we have an

increased need for employees who possess strong technical and computer skills and effective work habits. This program will help address that need.

"Tech Summit 2001 is an excellent opportunity for the corporate world to provide a real-world technology lesson for our young people and to inspire them

to pursue high-tech careers," Martin said.

Students who visit the Verizon Delaware exhibit will see a demonstration of Internet audio and video applications. They can also check out video conferencing,

which is used for distance learning.

Verizon representatives scheduled to participate include Brenda Tildon, regional manager for marketing and special events; Craig Harrington, senior specialist for

regulatory and external affairs, and Bill Bowden, manager, community, customer and employee relations.

Verizon Foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through

technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities,

people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that

encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation,

visit www.verizon.com/foundation on the Internet.

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $65 billion in 2000 revenues and

more than 260,000 employees. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with nearly 109 million

access line equivalents and more than 27.5 million wireless customers. Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe,

Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

####