BOSTON and PROVIDENCE, R.I.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is seeking grant proposals from nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that provide technology-based literacy services to students who are learning to speak English.

Through the 2010 Verizon Foundation English as a Second Language Solutions Awards Request for Proposal, nonprofit agencies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are invited to compete for grants of up to $10,000 – for a total of $100,000 – to support ESL initiatives.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing programs that serve Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents.

“Verizon is committed to helping people gain the literacy skills needed to effectively participate and succeed in our economy,” said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president of New England. “We are looking forward to supporting innovative programs that provide immigrant learners with the necessary tools to gain the skills they need to improve their educations and seek employment opportunities that will help them flourish here.”

The Verizon Foundation ESL Solutions Awards will support:

* English as a Second Language literacy programs that use technology to improve the delivery of services.

* Programs that provide participants with strategies for improving their English communications skills to further education and employment goals.