The West Virginia 4-H program’s Alpha I campers will be able to continue participating in a technology track during summer 2010 and 2011, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Verizon West Virginia.

The company has provided the West Virginia 4-H program with funding to continue its support of the Alpha I “Wired & Wonderful Camp.” The grant will pay for scholarships as well as for computers for low-income counties to develop mobile training centers. Alpha I will be held this year July 11-16 at WVU Jackson’s Mill.

“This is a great partnership for all of us at Verizon,” said B. Keith Fulton, president of Verizon West Virginia. “We appreciate this opportunity to empower 4-H clubs and members across our state to help their family, friends, and neighbors get online and benefit from broadband. Technology alone will not transform rural communities, but innovative programs like this can.”

4-Hers from each of the state’s 55 counties will be selected by county WVU Extension Service agents to participate. Nationally, 4-H has placed an emphasis on science and technology development among the country’s youth. This program will help boost that national mandate to help young people value science and grow their technology skills.

“Combining the traditional state 4-H camp with this technology component allows youths to learn leadership and personal development skills taught at our traditional camps, and also learn new science and technology skills that can shape their futures as well,” said Extension Specialist Chad Higgins.

The learn-by-doing experiences build youths’ skills and self-confidence through educational activities that focus on healthy living, citizenship, and science, engineering, and technology.
Verizon has contributed more than $125,000 to WVU Extension Service over the last three years, including support of the Kanawha Cottage, Community Development Institute East, Energy Express, and the Alpha I Wired & Wonderful Camp.

“We greatly appreciate Verizon’s continued support of our programs, facilities, and people,” David Miller, associate provost and WVU Extension Service director, said. “The company has been tremendously generous to WVU Extension Service.”

All of Verizon’s gifts have been made through the WVU Foundation, a private nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.

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CONTACT: Ann Berry, WVU Extension Service
304-293-8640; Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu

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