Teachers' Wishes for Literary Program Granted by Verizon

BRADENTON – On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, the Verizon Foundation awarded $18,000 to the Manatee Education Foundation to fund Ca$h for Cla$$room Grants for School District of Manatee County teachers.   
The grants, funded by Verizon, are literacy grants and were presented to teachers at the Manatee Education Foundation’s inaugural ”Ready for School Rally.“  

From L to R: Manatee Education Foundation Chairman Debra Cooper; Verizon Vice President, Southeast Region Julie C. Smith; Manatee Education Foundation Director Mary Glass; and Ron Beck of Fifth Third Bank.

The Verizon funds distributed to teachers average $500 and provide for special projects including classroom reading libraries, family reading nights, reading workshops, reading/book clubs, literacy technology and even a grant to aid the morning announcements television show at Braden River High School. 36 grants were distributed in total.  Ultimately, these funds impact thousands of Manatee County students.  

”Verizon has become a true and trusted partner with the Manatee Education Foundation and the School District of Manatee County,“ said, Mary Glass, Executive Director of the MEF.  ”The Verizon Literacy Grants have provided extra funding that will help make our students succeed in the classrooms.  The projects that are provided through this contribution will positively impact the student experience in many classrooms.“ 

Verizon has been a Gold Level Partner in Education of the Manatee Education Foundation for the last three years, donating over $20,000 each year for a variety of programs and events.  

”Verizon is honored to continue to partner with the Manatee Education Foundation to provide resources and tools for teachers be more effective in their classrooms, which ensures their students are successful and are ready to compete in the 21st century global economy,“ said Julie C. Smith, Vice President of Verizon External Affairs, Southeast region.