Qwest Foundation Announces Two Grants in Vancouver

Business Wire, June 11, 2008

SEATTLE -- The Qwest Foundation is pleased to announce $15,000 in grants awarded to two Vancouver nonprofit organizations. Qwest Washington President Kirk Nelson will present a $10,000 check to the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust and a $5,000 check to the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center Foundation.

Funds for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust will be used to develop and deliver professional development workshops to educate teachers on how to best use and incorporate Fort Vancouver into the teaching of the Pacific Northwest to students.

"Heritage education is of extreme importance for our youth," said Elson Strahan, Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust president & CEO. "Annually, more than 25,000 students experience a unique learning opportunity through our programs. This program would not have been possible without the support from Qwest."

The Qwest Foundation is supporting Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center's "Senior Fishing Festival." This community event will kick-off the "Engaging Seniors in Volunteerism" initiative. The grant was made possible thanks to a partnership with the local Communications Workers of America.

"Columbia Springs is honored to have the support of Qwest through their very generous Work and Development Fund grant award," said Alishia Topper, Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center development director. "These funds will allow us to kick-start an initiative that will allow seniors to be an integral part of a volunteer cadre that can help the community explore and experience nature within the great city of Vancouver, USA."

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 pre-K through grade 12 education.

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