July 1998
Supplement
HBS Case Collection

Bell Atlantic in Union City

Format:Video

Abstract

In this pioneering project to wire a school for the Internet and put computers in students' homes, Bell Atlantic combined its need for a beta site for a technology trial with the school reform efforts of the Union City, New Jersey public schools, under the leadership of Chairman Raymond Smith. Part of the HBS Social Enterprise Video Series on Business Leadership in the Social Sector (BLSS). Created in connection with the 1998 BLSS national leadership forum, the videos focus on a new model of business involvement in the social sector, viewing social needs as opportunities for developing and testing innovation. The videos provide a springboard for extensive discussion and highlight a diverse group of business/community projects in three interconnected domains that contribute to urban economic prosperity: public education, welfare to work, and urban investment. Viewers will receive practical information about applying the best lessons from these models, whether they are business leaders thinking about the role of their companies or community leaders considering partnerships with business.