Camarillo, Calif., Feb. 25, 2011 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) President Richard R. Rush today announced a $100,000 grant from Verizon to the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI).

Verizon’s contribution will fund HLI programs that will enable CI students to directly contribute to the growth of small businesses throughout the region through consulting assignments – applying, in a real-world setting, the business and technology skills learned through their entrepreneurial studies coursework. Students will assist small-business owners by analyzing their business plans, management, and technology needs.

The grant will also provide scholarship assistance to underserved students pursuing business and social science degrees.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with Verizon in developing these types of vital partnerships that will benefit both our local business community and CI students through scholarships, said President Rush. “Verizon’s support of the HLI will enable faculty and students to research and provide valuable information to local small businesses.”

Additionally, the grant will help to establish the Verizon Telecommunications & Conservation Lab (TCL), which will serve as a green operations model to aid small businesses in implementing eco-friendly practices. It will advance Verizon’s commitments to environmental sustainability through energy conservation, hardware recycling, and emphasis of new technologies aimed at more efficient and environmentally sound practices.

“Verizon’s intent is to challenge students to find new ways to foster economic growth and instill a sense of environmental stewardship throughout the region,” said Tim McCallion, president of the West Region for Verizon. “We consider this grant from Verizon to be an investment in our community’s economic vitality and the development of its future leaders.”

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.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.