Intel Launches Computer Clubhouse Network for Underserved Youth; Worldwide Network Uses Technology to Build Skills, Ideas and Confidence - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 6, 2000

Intel Corporation, in cooperation with the Museum of Science, Boston, its award-winning Computer Clubhouse, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, Monday launched the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network.

Both a physical location and a learning model, the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network provides a safe, creative after-school environment where young people from underserved communities work closely with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence through the use of technology. By 2005, 100 Intel Computer Clubhouses will open around the world touching the lives of more than 50,000 young people. Twenty Clubhouses will open in the program's first year.

"Technology access is only the first step in bridging the digital divide, not the end solution," said Craig R. Barrett, president and chief executive officer at Intel. "The Intel Computer Clubhouse provides young people in underserved communities with mentors, resources, skills and experiences that will help them use technology meaningfully and succeed in life."

Self-Directed Learning and Access to Mentors are Key Principles The goal of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is to help proliferate the highly successful Computer Clubhouse learning model, and establish it as a replicable model for technology learning. The Clubhouse was founded in 1993 by the Computer Museum (now part of the Museum of Science, Boston) and the MIT Media Lab. Fifteen Clubhouses exist today.

Clubhouse youth, aged 8 to 18, express themselves through projects based on their own interests. They create computer-generated art, music and video; develop scientific simulations; design their own animations; build kinetic sculptures and robots; develop their own Web pages; and program their own computer games. Adult mentors serve as role models and support Clubhouse members' self-directed explorations.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce, William M. Daley said, "President Clinton and Vice President Gore have given closing the digital divide the highest priority. The addition of 100 new Intel Computer Clubhouses means many more under served boys and girls throughout the country will now have access to computers and the Internet, mentoring, and the opportunity to develop the 21st century skills that are so important to their future and our nation's."

Intel will provide the financial, technical, career, and volunteer mentor support to proliferate the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network globally. In addition to equipment donations, a team of Intel professionals will work with the Clubhouse to install the technology and networking capability to link Clubhouse youth around the world and provide technical training to Clubhouse staff and members. Intel will invest $20 million dollars over the next five years.

Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy said, "Intel deserves great credit for this innovative and effective approach to reducing the digital divide. The Computer Clubhouse Network means that thousands of young people across the nation and Massachusetts will have access to technology and the Internet in a creative, supervised, and safe environment after school."

Focus on Mentoring, Career Opportunities and Encouraging Technical Fluency in Girls Volunteer mentors will come from nearby organizations, universities and companies. "Intel Involved," the company's employee volunteer program, will provide mentors to Clubhouses around the world. Mentors role-model learning by collaborating on group projects, or creating projects of their own. As members develop expertise in specific areas, they peer-mentor fellow Clubhouse members. Many Clubhouse alumni return to the Clubhouse to volunteer as mentors to younger members.

"At the Clubhouse, youth are treated like colleagues. We give them genuine feedback, and push them to consider new possibilities," said Mitchel Resnick, associate professor, MIT Media Lab and co-founder of the Computer Clubhouse.

MIT Media Lab will continue to work closely with the Clubhouse to shape the educational vision, provide professional development for Clubhouse staff and share new technologies.

Clubhouse members are encouraged to apply their skills in real employment settings. The "Clubhouse to Career" program exposes youth to career opportunities and helps them prepare for jobs and internships in nearby companies. Intel will provide shadowing opportunities with Intel professionals, and offer direct links to college recruiting and internship programs.

To help girls express themselves with new technologies and increase their confidence, the Clubhouse sets aside one-day-a-week as "Girls' Day." In addition to giving girls the chance to work with technology in ways that are relevant and inviting to them, the Clubhouse also provides female mentors and staff who serve as role models.

"Without technology, our young people will be marginalized," said Dr. David W. Ellis, president and director, Museum of Science, Boston. "That's why we are pleased to support Intel in bringing this innovative technology learning model to tens-of-thousands of under-served youth. Being the home of the flagship Clubhouse is a perfect fit with the Museum's larger technology and diversity initiatives."