HP and Magic Johnson Foundation Team Up for Technology Initiative

HostReview.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2005; 02:00 PM

HP and the Magic Johnson Foundation today brought their national community technology initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide to New Orleans with the opening of the 20th Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center at Kingsley House.

The Inventor Center in New Orleans joins 19 others in 16 cities around the country offering training, skills development and online access for youth and adult residents in underserved communities.

"In today's world, a lack of knowledge and understanding of technology puts an individual at a distinct disadvantage," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation. "Many of us use technology daily in our homes, our schools and our businesses."

Kingsley House is a New Orleans-based, nationally accredited social service agency with a mission of educating children, strengthening families and building community.

"The new Inventor Center will offer residents access to needed resources that will allow them to develop computer skills necessary in a technologically driven world," said New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

The HP technology deployed in the Inventor Center, valued at more than $80,000, includes servers, notebook and desktop PCs, flat panel monitors, digital cameras, photo printers, and all-in-one fax, scanner and printer units.

"HP is committed to closing the gap between technology-excluded and technology-empowered communities by making technology accessible to everyone," said Neal Wasemiller, senior enterprise manager, State and Local Government, HP.

Other sponsors supporting the Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center include ADT, DHL, Eastwind Consulting Group and Freddie Mac.

Kingsley House, a United Way partner agency, is a social service agency that educates children, strengthens families and builds community.

Founded in 1896, Kingsley House serves more than 7,500 infants, children, youth, parents, severely disabled and elderly adults each year in preventative and early-intervention programs, including Early Head Start, Pre-School, School-Age Day Care, Summer Camp, Teen Center, Family Preservation, Families First, Adult Day Health Care and the Senior Center.

The Magic Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving and addressing the health, educational and social needs of those residing in the inner city.