Cuban-American National Council, Verizon Wireless To Launch High-Tech Education Program For Hispanic Youth

MIAMI, FL — The Cuban-American National Council (CNC) and Verizon Wireless will soon launch an innovative program aimed at increasing technological know-how and computer literacy among Hispanic students in South Florida.

Bridging the Digital Divide Among Hispanic Youth is funded by a $25,000 grant from Verizon Wireless and the Verizon Foundation, and is scheduled to begin providing training and resources to South Florida students in early 2005.

"Knowledge of computers and the familiarity of the internet is so important in today's Information Age, but many of our Hispanic youth are lacking resources and access," said Guarione Diaz, president of the CNC. "We're pleased to join Verizon Wireless in an effort to help our kids become proficient and build a foundation for academic and professional achievement."

The CNC is a non-profit organization that provides educational, housing and community development services to people in need.

Verizon Wireless, which provides wireless communication technology and services to over 42 million people nationwide, donated more than $300,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to South Florida organizations during the past 12 months in conjunction with the Verizon Foundation.

"Verizon Wireless and the Verizon Foundation are very proud to provide our financial and technological resources to this important effort," said Mike Lanman, Florida region president of Verizon Wireless. "Like so many outstanding CNC's efforts, this program will be of great benefit to Hispanic youth and the entire South Florida community." 

The Verizon Foundation has approved millions of dollars in funding for certified non-profit organizations throughout Florida.

These include a $25,000 literacy grant to the Coalition of Florida Farmworkers Organization to help hundreds of children in the state's migrant worker communities learn to read; The Verizon Wireless Florida Clothesline Project, an awareness exhibit that has traveled nearly 2,000 miles and features t-shirt art designed by survivors and families at Florida's domestic violence shelters; a $15,000 grant to Women in Distress of Broward County to construct a computer center for shelter residents to use for job applications, skills training and education; and many other programs.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless community relations programs in Florida, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/foundation. Certified 501c3 organizations in Florida who would like 2005 grant information should visit www.verizon.com/foundation.  

About CNC
Founded in 1972, the CNC offers education, housing and community development services to needy individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups with a focus on Hispanics and minorities. The CNC provides direct services to more than 5,000 persons every year through a network of non-profit related corporations totaling a staff of 200.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.  

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