ARLINGTON, VA., July 7, 2005 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) agency extended for an additional year their call center contract with Pearson Government Solutions effective June 1, 2005. As a result, Pearson will maintain the existing 330 jobs supporting CIS at its facility in Corbin, Kentucky.

Mac Curtis, President and CEO of Pearson Government Solutions, also announced that Pearson is expanding its workforce in Corbin through the addition of customer service representative positions for its contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These 130 additional jobs will bring the total number of Pearson jobs in Corbin to 470. "Pearson is proud to be a part of Corbin. We look forward to expanding our local workforce in support of our important work with CIS and CMS," said Curtis.

Since 2002, Pearson has operated a call center on Cumberland Gap Parkway in Corbin, employing 245 customer service representatives (CSRs). Until now, the center has solely handled and processed immigration-related calls under a contract with CIS. Beginning this month, Pearson will hire an additional 150 CSRs in support of Pearson's expanded contract with CMS which operates the 1-800-MEDICARE Helpline, one of the largest citizen contact management programs in the Federal government. Pearson performs multiple functions in support of the Helpline including program management, call center operations, content management, training, data warehouse and print fulfillment. The CSRs are also answering questions about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage that begins in January 2006.

"The people of southern and eastern Kentucky have a strong work ethic that makes our communities attractive to companies seeking to provide quality products and services. I am pleased that Pearson Government Solutions is continuing its commitment to the hard-working people in the Corbin area." said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers, who represents Kentucky's 5th District.

There will be an employee and community appreciation event on Friday, July 8th at 10 am - 11 am at Pearson's facility located at 14892 N. US Highway 25E in Corbin. Local and state government officials, representatives from area organizations and Pearson program managers will make brief remarks. The event is open to the press.

About Pearson Government Solutions
With nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, Pearson Government Solutions, Arlington, Va., serves the U.S. federal, state and local, and international governments; higher education institutions and student financial aid entities; and the worldwide telecommunications industry. The company designs, builds, and operates solutions that optimize the performance of public sector entities in delivering information, benefits, and services to their constituents. Clients include the Federal Communications Commission; the U.S. Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, and Veterans Affairs; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Pearson Government Solutions is a business of Pearson, the international media company. Pearson's primary operations include Pearson Education, the Financial Times Group, and the Penguin Group.

Contact:
Eileen Rivera.
703.284.5674
Eileen.Rivera@pearson.com