Verizon, Centri Tech Foundation team up to boost digital inclusion in DC, Philadelphia and Baltimore

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (VZ) announces a partnership with the Centri Tech Foundation to launch The Community Skills Connect Pilot, delivering digital workforce skills training and resources to around 8,200 low-income residents. The initiative is supported by a $100,000 grant from Verizon to the Centri Tech Foundation, part of the $1 million Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award. The program aims to drive social impact and increase economic and educational opportunities for underserved communities in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

Positive

• Verizon's commitment to advancing digital literacy and inclusion in underserved communities
• Partnership with innovative organizations to ensure communities have the digital skills and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy
• Goal to prepare 500K individuals for the jobs of the future by 2030

Negative

• None.

Partnership aims to advance digital equity in region through $100K Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award

WASHINGTON, Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon has announced a partnership with the Centri Tech Foundation to create The Community Skills Connect Pilot, a new initiative that will deliver digital workforce skills training, information and resources to approximately 8,200 low-income residents in collaboration with national and local partners and community organizations.

As part of the partnership, Verizon awarded a $100,000 grant to the Centri Tech Foundation (CTF) to support the pilot program in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore. This effort is in support of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world.

Working with grassroots organizations, the program will support residents in each city as they navigate education and workforce opportunities, healthcare, government services, social activities and/or other essential needs.

The purpose of the program is to demonstrate technology’s potential to 1) drive social impact in historically underserved communities and 2) increase economic and educational opportunities through the enhancement of skills for underserved people.

Verizon is proud to be a partner in launching the The Community Skills Connect program.

“The Community Enhancement Award reflects Verizon’s commitment to advancing digital literacy and inclusion in the communities we serve,” said Tony Lewis, Vice President of Public Policy for Verizon. “We are committed to listening to and meeting communities where they are by partnering with innovative organizations, such as Centri Tech Foundation, to ensure communities have the digital skills and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

"We are honored to join Verizon in this critical initiative to drive social impact and increase economic mobility for communities in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia," said Marta Urquilla, president of the Centri Tech Foundation. "We look forward to collaborating with our partners on the ground in these cities to innovate and deliver new models for digital workforce skills training to help residents connect to the digital economy.”

Verizon is committed to preparing 500K individuals for the jobs of the future by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s Digital Inclusion efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com. To learn more about Verizon’s Digital Inclusion efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Chris Serico
christopher.serico@verizon.com
908-227-8097

FAQ

What is the purpose of The Community Skills Connect Pilot by Verizon (VZ) and Centri Tech Foundation?

The purpose is to deliver digital workforce skills training, information, and resources to low-income residents in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore, aiming to drive social impact and increase economic and educational opportunities for underserved communities.

How much grant did Verizon (VZ) award to the Centri Tech Foundation for the program?

Verizon awarded a $100,000 grant to the Centri Tech Foundation to support The Community Skills Connect Pilot.

What is Verizon's (VZ) commitment to preparing individuals for the jobs of the future?

Verizon is committed to preparing 500K individuals for the jobs of the future by 2030.