Because learning matters, the Verizon Foundation handed out $635,000 to improve education in the state.

$500,000 will help create a "Jobs for America's Graduates" programs in the Forrest City, Earle and Lee County school districts.

The state department of education gets $35,000.

It'll provide training for teachers to use free educational resources called, "Think-Finity."

And, $100,000 goes to Little Rock Central High School.

That money will help train teachers how to use technology in their classrooms.

"It is the hope of the Verizon Foundation that Central can become a model school for other schools in the state & through out this country."

The foundation's part of Verizon Wireless, which bought Little Rock-based Alltel, in January.