Dell Helps Close Technology Gap in California

Dell (www.dell.com) is partnering with two California school districts, Alameda Unified and Hacienda La Puente Unified, to help close the technology gap and teach valuable 21st-century skills to hundreds of students through the Dell TechKnow program.

"This program is important because it can change the life of a child," said Dr. Alan Nishino, superintendent, Alameda Unified School District. "Through this partnership, Dell continues to help our students succeed by equipping them with technology and life skills they'll need to succeed in an information society."

The Dell TechKnow (www.dell.com/k12/techknow) program is a 40-hour after-school program that provides low-income middle school students the opportunity to earn a home computer and learn technology skills that promote self-esteem and academic success, and prepare them for opportunities in today's technology-driven world.

Alameda Unified School District is a founding Dell TechKnow partner and has graduated 108 students from the program since September 2002.

More than 40 students will graduate this fall from the program hosted by Encinal and Alameda high schools. Students participating are selected from Chipman, Lincoln and Wood Middle Schools.

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will launch the Dell TechKnow program during the Spring 2005 semester, benefiting 200 students from five schools: Cedarlane, Grandview, Orange Grove and Sparks Middle Schools, and Lassalette .

"In order to prepare our students for the 21st century, we must integrate technology into their lives, both in and out of the classroom," said Superintendent Dr. Edward Lee Vargas of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

Dell will provide each district with teacher training, curriculum, computers and program support. Teachers from the respective school districts collaborate with Dell to serve as instructors for the program.

Students in the program learn how to take apart and re-build computers, install and use software, upgrade, diagnose and fix basic hardware problems; and use the Internet responsibly.

Alameda Unified and Hacienda La Puente Unified represent two of 35 school districts nationwide participating in the program. Since July 2001, more than 3,100 students from across the United States have completed the program.

Organizations interested in contributing to the California programs can contact the Dell TechKnow office via email at dell_techknow@dell.com.

Students in the Dell TechKnow program receive a free refurbished DellTM  desktop computer and work in teams to learn computer basics.

In addition, students must meet certain program requirements such as attending school, demonstrating good citizenship and sustaining or improving their grades.