CSU Channel Islands President Richard R. Rush, from left, Hank Lacayo, Tim McCallion, president of the West Region for Verizon and Jesus Torres, director of Strategic Programs for Verizon, attend the grant presentation program. Photo courtesy of CSU Channel Islands.
Verizon has presented a $100,000 grant to expand the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at CSU Channel Islands, Richard R. Rush, university president, reported in a media release.
“We are pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with Verizon in developing these types of vital partnerships that will benefit both our local business community and CI students through scholarships,” Rush said. “Verizon’s support of the HLI will enable faculty and students to research and provide valuable information to local small businesses.”
Verizon’s contribution will fund HLI programs that will enable university students to directly contribute to the growth of small businesses throughout the region through consulting assignments – applying, in a real-world setting, the business and technology skills learned through their entrepreneurial studies coursework, the university reported. Students will assist small-business owners by analyzing their business plans, management, and technology needs.
The grant, which was presented Feb. 25, will also provide scholarship assistance to underserved students pursuing business and social science degrees.
Additionally, the grant will help to establish the Verizon Telecommunications & Conservation Lab, which will serve as a green operations model to aid small businesses in implementing eco-friendly practices, the university reported. It will advance Verizon’s commitments to environmental sustainability through energy conservation, hardware recycling, and emphasis of new technologies aimed at more efficient and environmentally sound practices.
“Verizon’s intent is to challenge students to find new ways to foster economic growth and instill a sense of environmental stewardship throughout the region,” said Tim McCallion, president of the West Region for Verizon. “We consider this grant from Verizon to be an investment in our community’s economic vitality and the development of its future leaders.”
Click here to see the entire media release.