Steve Banta, president of the Southwest Region of Verizon, and David Russell, vice president of external affairs of the Southwest Region of Verizon, will present a check to Douglas J. Palmer, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, prior to an education briefing scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday in the Verizon Interactive Classroom (Room 217) in Harrington Tower.

Representatives from State Senator Steve Ogden and Rep. Fred Brown’s offices are expected to attend the briefing.

The funds will be used to build five online modules that will help pre-K through third-grade students develop fundamental literacy skills. The Internet-based modules will be available to any parent, teacher or school administrator who has access to the Internet to help early readers.

“The impact of this program will be felt throughout Texas and beyond as parents and teachers access this material online to help students everywhere,” Palmer said.

Verizon and the Verizon Foundation have contributed over $1 million to the College of Education and Human Development in support of various educational programs, university officials add.