Press Releases

QWEST ANNOUNCES FIRST GRANTS TO SUPPORT ARIZONA TEACHERS

$100,000 Grant Program Honors Innovative Uses of Technology in Classrooms

Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 27, 2006 — The Qwest Foundation and the Arizona Technology in Education Alliance (AzTEA) today announced the first wave of grants for teachers who use technology in the classroom in innovative ways. The grants, which range in amounts from $4,400 to $10,000, were awarded to seven different instructors in seven Arizona school districts.

"It is heartening to know that innovative teaching methods are found in every corner of the state," said AzTEA president, Kimberly Flack. "Thanks to the Qwest Foundation we are able to reward teachers who are finding new and creative ways to use technology in the classroom."

The purpose of the Qwest Foundation grant is to recognize Arizona K-12 public school teachers who are using technology in the classroom to improve student performance and prepare kids for a world where technology and technological advances move quickly.

"Qwest is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where customers live and work, and we are proud to invest in Arizona teachers and children," said Pat Quinn, Qwest president for Arizona. "We were excited at the depth and creativity displayed in this first group of grant submissions. It made the judging extremely difficult."

Funds will be awarded at the Jan. 28, 2006, AzTEA Conference and the March 11-13, 2006, AzTEA Awards Banquet. For the second wave of awards granted in March, applications must be postmarked by Feb. 16, 2006. Application information is available on AzTEA's Web site at www.aztea.org.

About the Qwest Foundation
The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on K-12 education and economic development.

The Qwest Foundation's philosophy is to help build strong communities through investing in people and the places where they live and work. For more information, contact www.qwest.com/foundation.

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Media Contacts:

Qwest Contact
Jeff Mirasola
602-630-8224
Jeff.Mirasola@Qwest.com

AzTEA Contact
Kimberly Flack, AzTEA president
480-965-3764
qwestawards@aztea.org