Verizon’s Special Program Provides $3.5 Million to Local Schools

Verizon’s Special Program Provides $3.5 Million to Local Schools

Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to painlessly support their education, simply by making long-distance phone calls. Verizon’s Extra Credit for Schools program (ECFS), in place since Verizon began offering long-distance calling in 1999, has generated more than $3.5 million in gifts that support worthy activities at public and private elementary, secondary and high schools throughout the United States. Verizon funds the program, but Verizon customers support it, just by making calls.

Customers can contribute to the school of their choice by enrolling in a qualifying long- distance calling plan and the Extra Credit for Schools loyalty program. Customers simply register, name a school, and checks totaling 5% of their long-distance payments to Verizon are sent twice a year to the enrolled schools. “This time of year, it’s not just about new sneakers, the latest backpack or the right notebook organizer, cell phones or MP3 Players,” said Mark W. Adams, marketing executive in charge of the program. “Back-to-school time is a time of anticipation, commitment and hope for students, parents and educators alike. It’s the perfect time to lock in some extra funding to support that kind of spirit.”

Consider Bath Elementary School in Bath, Mich., where ECFS funding supports homework tutors. Or Village Elementary School in Georgetown, Texas, where ECFS supports special programs like Science Day. Or West Park Elementary School in Moscow, Idaho, where the principal’s fund is used to help students from low-income families pay for books or attendance at cultural events they’d otherwise miss.

Read the complete Press Release