SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
News Facts: * The Stride Center and Silicon Valley VoIP service provider 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) are today announcing a new partnership to bring sustainable employment opportunities to underemployed and underserved individuals through IT training and job placement. * At an Open House this evening, 8x8 and The Stride Center will kick- off this partnership while celebrating 8x8's recent move to its new corporate headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. * The Stride Center is a San Francisco Bay Area-based social venture and non-profit organization that empowers individuals and communities to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Working with The Stride Center, corporations like 8x8 are able to acquire local, highly qualified IT talent while finding meaningful community re- investment opportunities. * Assemblyman Paul Fong, representing the 22nd Assembly District, Sunnyvale Mayor Anthony Spitaleri, Stride Center Executive Director Barrie Hathaway and 8x8 Chairman & CEO Bryan Martin will provide their remarks. Event Details: * The event will be held today, September 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the new headquarters of 8x8, Inc., 810 West Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085.
Supporting Quotes:
"The Stride Center represents one of the most innovative solutions for community development and IT job creation that we've ever seen," said 8x8 Chairman and CEO Bryan Martin. "We're looking forward to an ongoing relationship with The Stride Center, which will allow us to address increasing demand for our services."
"The Stride Center's partnership with 8x8 illustrates that even in a tough economy, there is a continued need for highly skilled IT workers," said Stride Center Executive Director, Barrie Hathaway. "Our work with 8x8 reflects a win-win partnership that helps the company achieve its IT staffing goals, all the while enabling investment in our graduates and the greater Silicon Valley community."
About The Stride Center
Unlike other workforce development organizations, The Stride Center has created an eco-system for community engagement that builds a sustainable path out of poverty for low-income individuals while helping organizations meet their recruiting, diversity and corporate social responsibility objectives. By working with The Stride Center, companies can help to end poverty while hiring high quality IT workers. Companies can partner with the organization in a number of ways -- through providing jobs and internships for graduates, offering computer and electronic equipment for refurbishing and use in training centers, donating capital and volunteering time. For more information, visit www.stridecenter.org or call 510-234-1300.
About 8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) offers voice, video, mobile and web conferencing communications solutions for business and residential customers. These solutions leverage existing broadband Internet connections and cellular networks to deliver advanced features and digital quality phone service at a fraction of the cost of legacy, copper wire alternatives. Businesses of any size, configuration or geographic location can benefit from the cost, performance and operational advantages of VoIP technology. All 8x8 communications solutions carry little or no upfront investment, no maintenance or upgrade fees and no change in user behavior. For additional information, visit www.8x8.com.