ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2007--The Qwest Foundation today announced a $10,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico (BBBS-CNM) to sponsor a media technology program.

The grant will fund the "Crossroads" program, which engages at-risk teenagers with adult mentors in positive activities focused on five activities: community service, math/science, career development, culture and fitness/recreation. The aim of the program is to encourage youth to gain confidence in their ability to use technology and provide creative opportunities to enhance their development.

"Our youth is reaching out for positive activities and role models, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico helps fill that need," said Loretta Armenta, Qwest president for New Mexico. "There are many athletic programs that cost students little, if anything, but few programs that offer affordable access to technology. Qwest Foundation is thrilled to partner with BBBS-CNM to open these doors and hopefully ignite children's imaginations."

"We are grateful to Qwest for partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the spirit of service to our community's youth," said Angela Reed Padilla, BBBS-CNM CEO. "This grant provides the opportunity for caring adult mentors to share their expertise and enthusiasm for technology with youth in a fun, learning environment. Through one-to-one mentoring, we can foster a relationship of learning, caring, and social development. Adults and youth together will gain insight into how the use of technology can create opportunities for a strong future, both for our youth and for our business community."

The goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and foster one-on-one, positive relationships between children and adults. BBBS-CNM is dedicated to providing opportunities for volunteers and children to enjoy the magic that comes from making a new friend.

About Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Since 1969, BBBS-CNM has been developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. In 2006, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico served over 1,000 children, ages six through 18, in five counties. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbs-cnm.org.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

Qwest Foundation

Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of customers and the communities we serve. It's more than just caring; it's a commitment to making a difference. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of pre-K through 12 education. We encourage you to learn more about the Foundation and request funding for your program. Qwest® is a leading provider of voice, video and data services across America and the world. For more than a century, homes and businesses have relied on our dependable dial tone connection. We value the strength and vitality we help bring to the communities where we live, work and play-through tens of thousands of volunteer hours donated by employees and retirees, our foundation contributions and numerous other avenues. In communications and community, our goal is to lead.

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