Camarillo, CA - The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CI) recently received a $25,000 grant from AT&T. The purpose of the grant will be to fund a Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce Development and Community Sustainability Forum which will take place during the fourth quarter of 2011.

“CSU Channel Islands is very appreciative of the support from AT&T. The AT&T and Channel Islands partnership strongly reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to its students while engaging and participating in community service,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dawn Neuman.

The Community Workforce Studies Program of the HLI is focused on the sustainability of our statewide and national economies, communities, and the workforce connection between opportunity and quality of life. Through the HLI, CI’s Small Business Institute (SBI) provides CI students with numerous opportunities to work with small businesses and conduct vital public forums with topics focusing on contemporary workforce trend analysis.

"AT&T is extremely proud to join with the Hank Lacayo Institute on this important economic development and community service program. Through the Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce Development Forum, students at CSU Channel Islands will be empowered to play an important role in the development of workforce opportunities for local residents, which includes the use of the latest technology," stated Mike Silacci, Regional Vice President, AT&T External Affairs – Southern California.

Drawing heavily on student participation, the Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce Development and Community Sustainability Forum will provide a quality venue to showcase student research findings and to promote public discussion on the role of telecommunications and technology as a key component towards a sustainable and viable workforce in this fast growing sector.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.