The CB Learn program provides area schools the chance to receive funds based on the number of Cincinnati Bell customers who support the school. More than 400 schools are enrolled in the program, and through CB Learn, Cincinnati Bell donated more than $750,000 last year and almost $250,000 last quarter alone.

And Stephen Smith, a member of the Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions (CBTS) team, helps make it all happen. Smith started his career with a full-fledged focus on education after he graduated from the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning and went on to teach art at Purcell Marian High School. After spending some time in the classroom, Smith followed his passion for film and video, picked up some technological skills and knowledge. Now, he's headed back to his roots as a teacher as he leads the CB Learn program and develops new ways to promote education through technology.

Besides the CB Learn program, Smith has worked with Xipto, a local company geared toward marketing with ring-back tones, to provide an additional way for local schools and nonprofit organizations to raise money. Cincinnati Bell cell phone users can opt to play short commercials as ring-back messages for callers, so instead of hearing the traditional ringing sound, callers hear a brief message from an advertiser. With each message, the Xipto participant raises money for the school of their choice. The best part is that customers can control what times the ring-back messages will play so that the commercials don't play during office hours or any other specific times.

Fundraising efforts aside, Smith also helps schools directly with education. Smith and other members of CBTS have teamed up to address the negative issues related with cell-phone technology, particularly the recent rise of "sexting" from junior high and high school students. The CBTS team goes to schools to give seminars to the students and faculty about the reality of sexting and the potential dangers and consequences involved. To provide accurate information, the team works with area prosecutors' offices.

For more information about CB Learn, head to the program's Web site. To support a local school and participate in the program, click here for a quick online application form. To learn more about supporting schools through Xipto, head to Xipto.com.


PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Stephen Smith
Location: The McAlpin

Linda Palacios
		About the author:
		Linda Palacios, an East-side native, is the editor of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail at lpalacios@cincychic.com.
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Last update: 16-11-2009 13:11

Published in : Magazine Items, Career