Verizon Supports Central New York Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Workforce Development

SYRACUSE, NY. - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and technology education in Central New York last year through grants for a broad range of literacy, workforce development, community technology and human service programs. Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, donated $408,000 to 72 nonprofit groups in the region during 2002.

In addition, various nonprofit agencies received more than $531,000 through Verizon Volunteers, a program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to the organizations that employees support.

"In today's tight economy, nonprofit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Thomas Owens, Verizon director of community relations in Central New York. "Verizon's grants underscore our long-standing goal of improving the communities we serve and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers."

Recipients of major grants included:

• St. Joseph's Hospital -- $100,000 school of nursing digital learning center

• Rescue Mission -- $50,000 to provide enhanced computer applications

• Syracuse University -- $30,000 to launch music industry technology applications.

In addition, literacy grants went to Syracuse Stage and the Broome-Tioga School and Business Alliance.

In support of technology education, Verizon also awarded grants to Leadership Greater Syracuse and the Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative.

Verizon recognized the importance of the state's workforce development programs by awarding additional grants to the St. Camillus Rehabilitation Hospital, Partners for Education and Business, and St. Lawrence University.

Other grant recipients include Junior Achievement, Everson Museum, and the Sci-Tech Center of Northern New York.

Verizon Foundation is committed to helping people and communities make progress every day. The 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. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 135.8 million access line equivalents and 32.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and 229,500 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to 33 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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