What is Thinkfinity.org?

Thinkfinity.org is the Verizon Foundation's free, comprehensive program and online portal to 55,000 educational resources, We offer standards-based, grade-specific, K-12 lesson plans and other student interactives provided in partnership with many of the top education and literacy experts and organizations in the U.S.

Who creates the content on Thinkfinity.org?

All lesson plans, educational resources and student interactives are created or approved by Thinkfinity.org's 11 content partners, who are among the nation's leading education and literacy organizations.

The 11 content partners are: American Association for the Advancement of Science, International Reading Association, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Center for Family Literacy, National Council on Economic Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Geographic Society, ProLiteracy Worldwide and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

What is the Verizon Foundation's role in Thinkfinity.org?

The Verizon Foundation provides technical expertise to maintain the program and funding for content partners to create and update the content on Thinkfinity.org.

In March 2007, the Verizon Foundation committed $31 million to produce and expand the number of interactives and other educational resources available on Thinkfinity.org.

In November 2007, the Verizon Foundation announced $1.2 million in additional funding for State Education Partners in 17 states. Those partners will be responsible for raising awareness of Thinkfinity.org resources with teachers and will train teachers to use the valuable resources on Thinkfinity.org. They will also work to align Thinkfinity.org content with state standards in those 17 states. (All content on Thinkfinity.org meets national standards.)

In addition to funding the creation of content for Thinkfinity.org, the Verizon Foundation also provides free professional development and instruction to educators through online training, as well as through State Education Partners.

What is the Thinkfinity Literacy Network?

The Thinkfinity Literacy Network (TLN) is part of Thinkfinity.org. TLN features content specific to the adult and family literacy communities. It offers teachers, volunteers, parents, community groups, adult students and program administrators free online courses, best practices, program assessment tools, teaching and learning tools, model programs that demystify technology and abundant research highlighting the importance of literacy development across the life span.

Who creates the content on the Thinkfinity Literacy Network?

Content for the TLN is developed and approved by leading literacy experts like the American Library Association, National Center for Family Literacy and ProLiteracy Worldwide. For more information, visit http://literacynetwork.verizon.org/Verizon-Literacy-Network-Home.10.0.html

What is the Verizon Foundation?

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program Thinkfinity.org and enhances awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2007, the Foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. Under the Verizon Volunteers initiative, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, the Foundation matched charitable donations from Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Verizon employees and retirees also have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

How do teachers learn to use the website?

There are several ways teachers can learn more about the free, valuable resources available on Thinkfinity.org. First, they can take a self-guided training/overview right on the website. (It takes about 20 minutes.)

Or, they can sign up for an online webinar with a Thinkinity.org instructor.

Or, they can take part in face-to-face training in a classroom setting.

More information about training options are available at: http://www.Thinkfinity.org/pd/request_training.aspx

Which states currently have Thinkfinity.org State Education Partners? How do the partners help?

There are Thinkfinity.org State Education Partners in the following states: Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The partners, with funding from the Verizon Foundation, will

• Provide comprehensive Thinkfinity.org training for teachers through statewide partners such as the department of education.
• Raise awareness among educators of Thinkfinity.org resources.
• Provide educators and students with Thinkfinity.org resources aligned to state standards. The resources will be available via a special educator resource portal on the Thinkfinity website.

Who do I contact to learn more about Thinkfinity.org, or to reach Verizon Foundation or Thinkfinity.org partners for media inquiries?

Brian Malina, Verizon Media Relations, 908-559-6434, brian.c.malina@verizon.com