Dell TechKnow Program Helps Close Technology Gap in California; Alameda Unified, Hacienda La Puente Unified Students Earn Chance for Home Computers

Business Wire, Dec 6, 2004

ROUND ROCK, Texas -- Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) 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.

The Dell 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.

"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."

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 (K-8).

"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 TechKnow gives participating students the tools to continue learning about technology and the world around them, long after they complete the program."

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. Their involvement reflects the districts' commitment to providing their communities with a technology-rich environment that supports student achievement and produces lifelong learners.

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. Student participants must meet certain requirements, such as regular school attendance, good citizenship and maintained or improved grades. Upon completion of the course, students earn a free refurbished Dell desktop computer installed with a Microsoft operating system and software. Through a national partnership with America Online(TM), graduating students also receive one year of Internet access at no charge.

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. All participating students have been defined as "at-risk" or low-income, more than 80 percent are Hispanic or African American and nearly 40 percent are female.

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

About Dell TechKnow

Students in the Dell TechKnow program receive a free refurbished Dell(TM) desktop computer and work in teams to learn computer basics. Students learn how to take apart and re-build the computer, install software; upgrade, diagnose and fix basic hardware problems; and how to use the word processing and educational software. In addition, students must meet certain program requirements such as attending school, demonstrating good citizenship and sustaining or improving their grades. Upon completion of the course, students earn a refurbished Dell desktop computer, operating system and software to take home and one year of free Internet access. For more information about the program, visit www.dell.com/k12/techknow.> About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past four quarters totaled $47.3 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.