$20 million over five years committed to further technology-based learning ATLANTA, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- To ensure that today's students are armed with the resources and knowledge that will make them successful, the BellSouth Foundation today announced a new e-Learning initiative. BellSouth's 20/20 Vision for Education commemorates the Foundation's 20-year commitment to education, with the Atlanta Public School's New Schools of Carver serving as the host of the pilot program. With BellSouth's 20/20 Vision for Education, which was announced at a ribbon cutting celebrating the first 100 days of the New Schools of Carver, the BellSouth Foundation commits to investing $20 million and providing volunteer support for technology-based learning initiatives in select communities in its region over the next five years. This initiative will help reform our nation's high schools through support of state-led virtual high schools and expanded access for students to technology-based learning opportunities. It will provide access to online courses and opportunities that may not have been available to low income and minority students in a traditional classroom environment. "We've worked closely with the Atlanta Public School System as they have applied innovation and creativity to reform schools within the system, particularly high schools," said Ron Frieson, president of Georgia Operations. "We are proud to stand with the school system and with the New Schools of Carver as our pilot partner." BellSouth will form a close relationship with the students of the Carver School of Technology, where each student is issued a laptop so technology- based learning opportunities can truly follow the student. Through the engagement of volunteers in various technology-based learning programs, such as Job Shadowing, Project:Connect, e-Tutoring and e-Mentoring, BellSouth will give students real world experience that will enhance their ability to succeed in the workforce. BellSouth will also investigate ways to bring affordable broadband access to the Carver community so that students and their families will have access to a rich e-Learning environment. "We're excited that Georgia will host the pilot site for this initiative" said Frieson. "I look forward to working with the Atlanta Public Schools, the Carver School of Technology and the students who will become our friends and our future." BellSouth's 20/20 Vision for Education will be introduced to other communities throughout BellSouth's region in 2006. About BellSouth Corporation BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data provider with 52.3 million customers. Backed by award-winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers online and directory advertising through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(R) and The Real Yellow Pages(R). BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. More information about BellSouth can be found at http://www.bellsouth.com/. About the BellSouth Foundation The BellSouth Foundation is an endowed trust of BellSouth Corporation that is devoted to education in the South. Since its creation in 1986, the Foundation has funded over 595 grants and operated numerous special initiatives, with a total investment of more than $56 million. For more information about the BellSouth Foundation, please visit http://www.bellsouth.com/foundation. DATASOURCE: BellSouth CONTACT: LeAnn Boucher of BellSouth, +1-404-986-0330, or Web site: http://www.bellsouth.com/foundation http://www.bellsouth.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/095650.html

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