Urban Media Foundation receives $24,000 Verizon grant
Youth participants increase literacy skills, explore journalism and mass communications careers
Los Angeles, CA -- The Urban Media Foundation (UMF) today received a grant from Verizon to support its after-school education program offering youth workshops on literacy, critical thinking and technology training.
“Our partnership with Verizon has enabled us to deliver a quality program to our youth,” said Natalie Cole, CEO and founder of Urban Media Foundation. “At a time when the economy is in a significant downturn and philanthropy dollars have dwindled, we are pleased that Verizon embraced the vision of the UMF and supported this program.”
UMF offers youth a way to channel their expression and focus their energies through journalism and media technology. It also offers students a place to network and provides summer job opportunities and internships with local media.
“Verizon is proud to support an organization that provides an outlet for youth to positively express themselves, enhance their literacy skills and explore potential careers in mass communications,” said Elva Lima, vice president, Verizon strategic programs. “Verizon is fully committed to supporting organizations like the Urban Media Foundation that are making positive changes in their communities.”
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the Verizon foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
For more information on UMF, call (323) 905-1302 or visit www.urbanmediafoundation.org.
Students, ages 13 to 17, are urged to attend the “2-Day Journalism and Media Adventure” coordinated by the Urban Media Foundation (UMF) on July 12-13 at the Church of Scientology Community Center Training Room, 8039 S. Vermont Ave. The event, and an opportunity to win $100 in cash, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Phillip Aubrey, 16, was all smiles recently, after winning the Urban Media Foundation’s (UMF) Junior Business Camp $100 drawing at the West Coast Expo on Aug. 14. Aubrey used laser-like focus to learn as much as possible about becoming an entrepreneur and real estate investor while attending the two-day camp.
He plans to start a one-stop advertising company for small businesses with his business partner Bernard Green, 17, whom he met at King Drew Medical Magnet High School.
Young people ages 14 to 17 who want to learn the basics of how to start and grow a business can participate in a free workshop sponsored by the Urban Media Foundation’s Youth Entreprenuership Project. Called Junior Business Camp, the program takes place Aug. 12 and 13 as part of the West Coast Expo planned for the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Young people who pre-register for the workshop by July 15, will be entered into a drawing for a $100 grant to help toward their new business.
Urban Media Foundation (UMF) founder Natalie Cole (center) accepts a grant from Noel Massie, president of UPS’ Central California District. The donation will be used to help purchase a new van to transport program participants. The mission of (UMF) is to educate, mentor and advocate for disadvantaged students interested in media technology, journalism and mass communication.
