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News
March 4, 2008
For immediate release
The Gevirtz Research Center at UC Santa Barbara
receives continued funding from the
Verizon Foundation to support community literacy
The Verizon Foundation recently awarded the Gevirtz Research Center $23,970 to help continue funding its Community-Based English Tutoring (CBET)/Family Literacy Class at the Isla Vista Elementary School. Julia Cooksey, Director for Government and External Affairs at the Verizon Foundation presented a ceremonial “big check” to Vishna Herrity, Executive Director of the Gevirtz Research Center, on February 21 at the Center’s Executive Meeting.
The CBET/Family Literacy Class teaches English as a Second Language, computer instruction, and cultural literacy to over 30 adults wishing to learn English, including those with infants, toddlers, pre-school, and school-age children. The program’s major components include English language development, parent support strategies for student learning, school connectedness, and training to help parents provide school readiness for their children. The Gevirtz Research Center is conducting ongoing research and evaluation of the program.
“We are extremely grateful to the Verizon Foundation for their continued funding support and their ongoing commitment to addressing the critical Family Literacy needs in the Isla Vista and Goleta areas,” GRC Executive Director Herrity says. “The Verizon Foundation’s award will help parents to support their children’s success in school; learn to navigate the school system; develop technological and life skills literacies; and access vital resources in the community.”
Photo Caption: Verizon presents a "big check" to the Gevirtz Research Center. From left to right: Janice Hortoch Taylor, Director of Foundation Relations, UC Santa Barbara's Office of Development; Vishna Herrity, Executive Director of the Gevirtz Research Center; Julia Cooksey, Director, Government & External Affairs, Verizon Foundation; Dean Jane Close Conoley, Gevirtz School; Marilyn Gevirtz.
[Vishna Herrity is available for interviews; contact George Yatchisin at 805 893 5789]
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