CenturyLink South Dakota

QWEST FOUNDATION FUNDS FREE BOOKS FOR "READY TO LEARN" IN SOUTH DAKOTA

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Sept. 9, 2008 – The CenturyLink Foundation today announced a grant of $15,000 to South Dakota Public Broadcasting's (SDPB) Ready To Learn project, which provides books to economically challenged children across South Dakota. The grant will fund the purchase of brand-new books to encourage children to read at young ages.

"Children who get the right start in reading realize untold benefits throughout their lives," said Jeff Carmon, coordinator for the CenturyLink Foundation in South Dakota. "With this CenturyLink grant, Ready To Learn will put books into the hands of families who need them, and help build a love for learning."

Ready To Learn promotes literacy and family activities by giving free books and activity suggestions to children in statewide Head Start, Early Head Start and Even Start programs. In addition, South Dakota Public Broadcasting conducts more than three dozen workshops per year to advise parents and caregivers on topics like smart television viewing, child development and reading skills.

"It's not always possible for families to purchase books on their own, so Ready To Learn provides a little extra support when it comes to fostering appetites for reading," said Program Coordinator Wess Pravecek. "We are grateful to the CenturyLink Foundation for its generous support of the program and for giving kids the springboard they need for success."