Intel and Other High Tech Companies Announce $30 Million Program to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2000--High-tech industry leaders are coming together today to announce their support for the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network -- an innovative and collaborative effort to bridge the digital divide.
The announcement was made here at the East Side San Jose Boys & Girls Club, where the first Intel Computer Clubhouse of a planned global network of 100 was opened. A network of ``invention workshops'' that will impact the lives of thousands of young people in underserved communities, The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network provides young people with access to technology and helps develop technology skills that open up options and opportunities, encourage self-confidence, and foster creativity.
In addition to Intel Corporation's $20 million investment over the next five years, Adobe Systems Inc., Macromedia, Inc., Hewlett-Packard, and Autodesk, Inc., announced their commitment of a total of more than $10 million in equipment, software, hardware and services to the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network.
``The high-tech industry's commitment to the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network shows the positive impact we can have when we join together to address community needs,'' said Craig R. Barrett, Intel president and chief executive officer. ``The Clubhouse operates on a `learning-by-doing' philosophy that provides youth not only access to technology, but also meaningful skill-building opportunities to help them succeed.''
There will be a steady stream of Intel Computer Clubhouses opening through the end of this year. In addition to San Jose, sites include East Palo Alto, Calif.; Sacramento, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; Chandler, Ariz.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Beaverton, Ore.; Portland, Ore.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Qiryat-Gat, Israel.
A Collaborative High-Tech Initiative
Intel will provide financial, technical, career and volunteer mentor support to establish the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network globally. In addition to equipment donations, a team of Intel professionals will install the technology and networking capability to link Clubhouse youth around the world and provide technical training to Clubhouse staff and members. First-year cost for each Clubhouse is approximately $200,000. Additional support will come from:
Adobe Systems Incorporated is the largest software donor to the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, providing product valued at more than $5.9 million to Clubhouses worldwide.
Macromedia, Inc. has donated $2.8 million worth of software, including Macromedia® Director® Shockwave® Studio and Macromedia Dreamweaver® Fireworks® Studio software products.
Hewlett-Packard Company is contributing $1 million this year to support the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network for PCs, printers, scanners and digital cameras.
Autodesk Inc. has contributed $500,000 worth of the award-winning design programs, 3-D Studio Max and Character Studio, used for 3-D modeling and character animation.
In addition to these high-tech leaders, other organizations lending support to the Clubhouse initiative include:
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) has agreed to provide mentors from its ranks of entertainment executives and artists, and to support internships in the telecommunications industry.
The LEGO® Company will supply MINDSTORMS(TM) kits to all 100 Clubhouses, enabling youth to build robots and other interactive constructions.
Haworth, Inc., a partial sponsor, will provide discounted furnishings to the Clubhouses.
Going Beyond Access to Building Skills
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network learning model is a departure from traditional after-school programs that concentrate on homework and tutorials. Launched in February 2000 by Intel -- in cooperation with Boston's Museum of Science, the museum's award-winning Computer Clubhouse, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab -- the Network is both a physical location and a proven, successful learning model. The Intel Computer Clubhouse provides an environment where youth are encouraged to ``learn by doing'' and develop meaningful skills that will open up new possibilities for their futures. The Clubhouse aims to go beyond mere access to technology by providing a safe, creative 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.
At this ``invention workshop,'' Clubhouse youth, aged 8 to 18, express themselves through projects based on their own interests to become designers of computer-based products, not just consumers. 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.
Intel Innovation in Education
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a key component of the Intel Innovation in Education initiative, a global, multimillion dollar effort to help realize the possibilities of science and technology in education. Intel develops and supports education programs that help meet the needs of students and communities worldwide through improving science, math, engineering and technology education; improving education through the effective use of technology in classrooms; and broadening access to technology and technical careers. For more information, please visit www.intel.com/education.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Note to Editors: Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders. |
