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Windstream gives public schools $200,000 for computer labs

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^{Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, January 22nd 2009 at 7:10 GMT, Last Modified on 2009-01-22 07:11:30 by Market Wire}  

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Windstream (NYSE: WIN) announced today a new program that will give public schools in Windstream's service area the chance to receive up to $200,000 for new technology and computer labs. The program, called Classroom Connections, is being launched as part of Windstream's 2009 Green Truck Tour, which the company uses to give customers hands-on interaction with its phone, high-speed Internet, and digital TV products.

All public and public charter schools in Windstream's 16-state service area are encouraged to apply for the Classroom Connections donation. Eight $25,000 donations will be made. Only one school in each school district may receive a donation. A complete overview of the Classroom Connections program can be found online at [ www.greentrucktour.com/classroom ]. Schools must apply online and are required to submit a video demonstrating need for the donation. The deadline to apply is March 12.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges including Windstream executives and outside leaders in the technology and education industries chosen by Windstream. The eight schools selected to receive donations will be announced in May. The selected schools must make the technology upgrades by Sept. 15, 2009.

"This new component of the Green Truck Tour allows us to make a big difference at public schools in the communities we serve," said Ron Proleika, vice president of marketing communications for Windstream. "In today's world it is so important for students to have access to technology, and Classroom Connections gives Windstream the opportunity to help put that technology directly in students' hands."

The Green Truck Tour will officially launch in March and will run through November. During the 2008 Green Truck Tour, Windstream donated $200,000 to nonprofit organizations and civic groups across the country. The tour also gives Windstream an opportunity to educate the public about the safety, security and reliability of traditional landline phone service.

About Windstream

Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company that provides digital phone, high-speed Internet and high-definition video and entertainment services to customers in 16 states. The company has approximately 3.1 million access lines and about $3.2 billion in annual revenues. For more information, visit [ www.windstream.com ].