Supporting Education in Arkansas

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Improving education for children and adults is one of Verizon Foundation's strongest efforts. So on May 11, the foundation presented four grants totaling $635,000 to Arkansas nonprofits, helping them to enhance educational achievement, teacher training and workforce development in the state. The grants include:

• $250,000 to Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) to fund the creation of JAG programs in the Forrest City, Earle and Lee County school districts. The national nonprofit attempts to keep at-risk students in school and to provide them with work-based learning experiences.
• $250,000 to One Economy to implement its Digital Connection program in three Delta regional high schools. Participants will develop leadership and technology skills to help them compete for jobs and volunteer in their communities.
• $100,000 to the Arkansas Department of Education (DOE) to improve technology at Little Rock Central High School and train the school's teachers to integrate technology into the classroom.
• $35,000 to the Arkansas DOE to raise awareness and train teachers throughout the state to use the free educational resources on Verizon Thinkfinity.org.

"These grants will have a positive impact in the classrooms and communities throughout Arkansas," said Dr. Ken James, Arkansas commissioner of education. "We are proud to partner with Verizon on such a worthy and necessary program to ensure that our teachers have the tools they need to help our students master 21st century skills."

"Verizon has a long-standing tradition of working to improve the communities where we operate by supporting organizations like these that strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals," said Steven Smith, president - South Central Region, Verizon Wireless. In January, Verizon Wireless acquired the Alltel Corporation, based in Little Rock.