Spartanburg Methodist College Recipient of Fujikura Foundation Grant

06/10/2009

Spartanburg, SC - AFL announces that Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) is the recipient of a $2,500 Fujikura Foundation grant to support its Campus Service program. Through Campus Service, SMC provides two college students to assist at Carver Junior High School with the AVID program which pulls students out of unchallenging course and places them on the college track.

"Among the leaders of the Upstate area, and the State of South Carolina, one of the main concerns is that we all need to come together to raise the number of college-educated persons in our state," said Mr. Donald Tate, Director of Development for SMC. "As we develop a successful track record at Carver Junior High School, support to this program is crucial. We appreciate the donation by the Fujikura Foundation and look forward to having a positive impact on the lives of students in our area."

Carver Junior High is the first school in the Upstate of South Carolina to implement this program which is being used in 3,800 schools in 45 states, Washington, DC, and 15 countries with over 200,000 students enrolled in the AVID elective. The primary purpose of the AVID program is to increase the college-going rate for students from low-income and minority families.

"AFL is excited to have the opportunity to support SMC and the AVID program here in the Upstate," stated Corie Culp, Community Relations Manager for AFL. "We are committed to improving education and success rates in the state of South Carolina and believe we have an impact serving SMC's efforts."

The mission of Spartanburg Methodist College is to develop the worth and abilities of each individual through programs relevant to academic and personal needs. This program offers students the option of transferring to a four-year college or university for continued study or entering a career after graduation.

For additional information on AFL and the Fujikura Foundation, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
AFL is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.

About Fujikura Foundation
With a commitment to being an exemplary corporate citizen for the communities in which we operate, America Fujikura Ltd., parent company to AFL, has established a Foundation that focuses on four Areas of Opportunity supporting families, education, the environment and community partnerships. In keeping with both our current corporate strategies and principles, Fujikura Foundation is providing monetary contributions and volunteer opportunities so that we can give back to the communities who have made our existence possible. For additional information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

Contact
Corie Culp, Public Relations Manager
864.433.5409
corie.culp@aflglobal.com