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SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sep 24, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --


* 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.