News Release
For further information, contact:
Leslie Dunbar, National Urban League, 212 558-5438
ldunbar@nul.org

Diane Wagner, Ameritech,
312 727-3912; or pager, 800 800-9725
diane.j.wagner@ameritech.com

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, May 6, 1999

CHICAGO — Children and adults in low-income communities are the real winners in learning information technology thanks to a joint venture between Ameritech and the National Urban League. The National Urban League will receive a $350,000 Ameritech grant that will support the creation of five Ameritech Digital Campuses, one in each state within the Ameritech region.

The Ameritech Digital Campuses will be an educational resource within Urban League affiliates. Each affiliate is equipped to teach entry-level information technology literacy skills that will bridge the "digital divide" that faces students and adults who have limited or no access to computers in many communities. The Campuses will provide the latest hardware, software and, most importantly, skilled staff to enhance participants’ job and education readiness.

"We’re excited to put state-of-the-art technology education directly in the hands of our customers in the local communities where they live and work," said Janie Davis, director of African American national relations for Ameritech. "Partnering with the National Urban League demonstrates Ameritech’s continuous support of civic and community services, while it stimulates economic development and technology."

"Given Ameritech’s depth of experience, grasp of cutting-edge technology and

generous support of our Technology Center Initiative, we’re pleased to partner with them," said National Urban League President Hugh B. Price. "The Ameritech Digital Campus initiative will be a critical part of the League\'s ongoing efforts to provide communities nationwide with access to technology and computer training, which is an integral component of our commitment to helping bridge the nation\\\'s digital divide."

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League remains the premier social service and civil rights organization in America. A nonprofit, community-based organization headquartered in New York City, the League has been operating technology-based programming since 1968. The organization has 114 affiliates in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

Ameritech (NYSE: AIT) has a strong tradition of giving back to the communities it serves. Last year, the company contributed nearly $27.2 million to over 3,800 nonprofit organizations, and Ameritech Pioneers — some 42,700 employees and retirees throughout the Midwest — volunteered 482,000 hours of community service by supporting health and human services, civic and community projects, and educational and arts programs. Ameritech provides a full range of communications services, serving millions of customers in 50 states and 40 countries.