Verizon Supports more than 300 Pennsylvania Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Work Force Development

PHILADELPHIA - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to the communities it serves in Pennsylvania by providing a broad range of grants in 2003 for literacy, work force development, technology and human service programs.

Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, last year donated more than $2.8 million to 328 nonprofit groups throughout Pennsylvania. Nationwide, the foundation donated more than $70 million to worthy causes and charities, including matches of nearly $14 million in donations from employees.

"We believe in investing in our communities through strategic partnerships with organizations that support education and literacy, technology education, and health and human services," said Verizon Pennsylvania President and CEO James V. O'Rourke. "Verizon's grants continue to underscore our long-standing goal of improving the communities we serve and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers."

• Boys & Girls Clubs - Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state participated in the Pennsylvania Community Vote grant competition for e-literacy programs for youths. Eight clubs received grants totaling $230,000 to implement after-school programs to provide children safe, learning atmospheres.

• National Constitution Center - $25,000 for an open house at the new state-of-the-art facility to introduce educators and students to the center and its learning materials. The center's interactive exhibit offers a technology-based learning experience about the U.S. Constitution.

• Team Pennsylvania Foundation - $25,000 for the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association certification program to promote business attraction and retention throughout Pennsylvania.

In addition, literacy grants went to the Carbon County Volunteers for Literacy; Gannon University; Korean Community Development Services Center; Washington County Literacy Council; Pittsburgh Ballet Theater; Pennsylvania Young Playwrights Program; Asian Arts Initiative; Kane Area Community Center; and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Philadelphia.

In support of technology education, Verizon awarded grants to York College of Pennsylvania; Hispanic Business Council of Lehigh Valley; Jewish Community Center of Wyoming Valley; Erie Philharmonic; the Blackburn Center Against Domestic Violence; Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company; Delco Blind Sight Center; and the Somerset County Technology Center.

Verizon recognized the importance of the state's work force development programs by awarding grants to the Harrisburg Young Professionals; Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center; Central Susquehanna Valley School and Business Partnership; Lincoln University; Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation; School Works!; Chester County Economic Development Corp.; Philadelphia Academies; Fay Penn Economic Development Council; and the Bradford Education Foundation.

In addition to the Verizon Foundation grants, nearly 850 agencies received more than $1.4 million through Verizon Volunteers, a program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to the nonprofit organizations that employees support.

Verizon Foundation

Verizon Foundation ranks as one of the largest corporate foundations in America, providing grants and developing programs to support the communities where Verizon does business. The foundation places special emphasis on literacy, work force development and the use of technology for the benefit of all people. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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