NEW YORK, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- MS&L, one of the world's leading communications firms, has announced the recipient of the first ever MS&L Be:CAUSE Community Connected Award. MOUSE, an innovative youth development organization that supports students in establishing and managing leading edge technical support help desks in their schools, will receive $100,000 in pro-bono communications service, particularly in the area of digital communications and social media, to help spread the "word of MOUSE."

"As digital expertise is imperative in today's business community, we are excited to work with a worthy organization that empowers underserved youth with the technical skills and leadership values needed for success," said Renee Wilson, managing director of MS&L's New York office. "Our collaboration with MOUSE will utilize MS&L's digital insights to develop an innovative communications strategy for the organization."

MOUSE, a program that involves more than 500 students in New York City's five boroughs, uses a technology-based curriculum to help youth in elementary, middle and high school learn 21st century skills while providing much-needed technical support to nearly 50,000 NYC students via in-school help desks. The program improves a school's ability to use technology to enhance learning, while also providing a powerful, hands-on learning experience for students.

"MOUSE is honored to be selected as this year's MS&L Be:CAUSE Community Connected Award winner," said Carole Wacey, executive director of MOUSE. "For more than 12 years, MOUSE has empowered underserved youth in schools across the country with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in today's information society. With the support of MS&L, we hope to increase visibility and awareness of the profound and lasting impact of MOUSE programs on the schools and students we serve."

The MS&L Be:CAUSE Community Connected Award is part of a program called "Generation Activation" that empowers Generation Y employees at MS&L New York to drive key initiatives in the New York office.

About MOUSE

MOUSE is an innovative youth development organization that prepares underserved students to provide technical support in their schools, helping them to develop essential 21st century skills and empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Founded in New York City in 1997, MOUSE is a dynamic nonprofit organization having a visible and positive impact in more than 200 locations in the United States, including New York, California, Illinois, Texas and Connecticut, as well as a global presence in more than 50 countries.

To learn more about MOUSE, visit http://www.mouse.org/

About MS&L

MS&L is a leading global communications firm and part of MS&L Worldwide, a network of communications brands and consultancies with 54 offices in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, as well as an extensive affiliate network. The agency specializes in using research, insights and technology to create and execute powerful communications strategies that are critical to client success. With a unique combination of advice, advocacy and action, MS&L delivers measurable business results for many of the world's largest companies and most successful brands.

MS&L Worldwide (mslworldwide.com) is a member of the Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577), the world's fourth largest communications group, and a global leader in digital and online advertising, media consulting, and healthcare communications. With some 45,000 professionals in 104 countries, the Groupe's activities cover advertising through three global advertising networks: Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, as well as through its two multi-hub networks Fallon Worldwide and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; media agencies with two worldwide networks ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest Group; and marketing services, including digital and interactive communications through Digitas, relationship and direct marketing, public and media relations, corporate and financial communications, multicultural communications, and event communications. The Groupe is also the world leader in healthcare communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com.

    CONTACT:  Nancy Brenner
              MS&L
              212.468.3859
              nancy.brenner@mslworldwide.com

SOURCE MS&L