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Adobe Launches New Global Philanthropy Program

‘Adobe Youth Voices’ Engages Teens through Multimedia Projects
Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today launched its new global philanthropy program, Adobe Youth Voices, designed to help underserved middle- and high-school aged youth develop critical skills necessary to become active and engaged members of their communities. Working in collaboration with five leading youth media organizations, Adobe will introduce the program at 36 sites worldwide by year-end, including locations in San Francisco, San Jose, New York, Seattle, London, and Noida and Bangalore, India. Adobe is committing $10 million in funding over five years as well as donating Adobe software and encouraging employee volunteerism.

Adobe Youth Voices will provide young people access to multimedia tools and training, enabling them to explore and comment on their world through video, audio, multimedia, digital art, animation and Web design. According to a study* by The Pew Charitable Trusts, two thirds of young Americans believe their generation has an important voice, but that no one is listening. At Adobe Youth Voices sites worldwide, teens will be encouraged to create works that communicate their ideas, concerns and aspirations. By engaging with their communities in this way, young people can further develop critical skills needed for success in school, career and life.

“Adobe Youth Voices infuses learning experiences with technology, enabling teens to think more creatively, communicate effectively and work collaboratively – all critical skills for success in the 21st century,” said Bruce Chizen, Adobe CEO. “Young people have great potential to stimulate dialogue and improve their communities. We want to ensure that they have the skills and tools needed to make this possible.”

Adobe will support the program in collaboration with youth media organizations: Arts Engine; Educational Video Center; iEARN; Listen Up!; and What Kids Can Do, as well as a youth advisory council comprised of teens participating in the program. Adobe employees will have the opportunity volunteer in a variety of ways. Additionally, Adobe will support exhibition of Adobe Youth Voices projects at community festivals, film screenings and conferences. Online showcases of youth works will be available on the Web at www.ymdi.org, the site of the Youth Media Distribution Initiative, and at www.adobe.com.

“Our work in youth media is not just about giving youth a voice,” said Listen Up! Director Rhea Mokund. “It is about providing access to the tools and resources so that the youth themselves can create from a place of power and presence.”

For more information on Adobe Youth Voices, please visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

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