Patrick Gaston
President, Verizon Foundation

Like most parents, I often wonder what my children will do when they grow up. Will the education they receive today prepare them to be successful individuals and valuable contributors to their communities?

At the Verizon Foundation, we have a long tradition of supporting programs that strengthen lifelong learning and individual achievement – so that each of us can lead fulfilled, rewarding lives. We're providing Thinkfinity.org to help educators and parents put children and adults on track for success. And the feedback we’re receiving is terrific.

The Wow Factor
The Internet offers endless opportunities and challenges. What websites can you trust? Which ones are targeted to specific education levels? How can you keep your students' attention?

The Verizon Foundation partners with the country's most knowledgeable, trustworthy and innovative leaders in education and literacy. The lessons and resources are up-to-date, fascinating and fun – and they’re easy to use inside or outside the classroom.

Teachers tell us the site saves hours of time and gives them interactive, engaging lesson plans and materials. Parents are relieved to have a website they can trust. Students are stimulated and engaged.

Unlimited Imagination
Studies have shown that American students lag behind their international peers in science and technology proficiency, in mathematics and problem solving – skills necessary for success in the 21st century. Verizon is attempting to help reverse those trends. And Thinkfinity.org is our cornerstone program.

When I was a boy and my father asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my imagination was limited to the traditional choices. But my own little boys, who are just beginning to use the wonderful content our Thinkfinity.org partners provide, can imagine careers I never even dreamed of that are now truly within the realm of possibility.

I encourage you to take a little time this summer to check out our site and stimulate your imagination. Whether you're an educator, parent, adult learner or young student, I guarantee it’s a homework assignment you’ll be glad you completed. And be sure to check back often because we have a wealth of free, new resources to introduce.