Compaq Computer Corporation Provides $1.2 Million to Help Boys & Girls Clubs of America Open Technology Centers

Boys & Girls Club of America
Friday, 3 December 1999

Olympic Champion, Actress and B&GCA Spokesperson Tara Lipinski Joins Compaq CEO Michael D. Capellas to Present Million Dollar Gift

Atlanta, December 3, 1999 - Recognizing the growing gap in access to technology among America's youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America today announced a new $1.2 million dollar grant from Compaq Computer Corporation that will broaden access to technology, enhance educational opportunities and provide youth with the technological capacities needed to succeed in the job markets of the future.

Joining Compaq CEO Michael D. Capellas for the presentation in Houston, at one of the tech centers funded by Compaq, was Olympic Champion, actress and B&GCA spokesperson, Tara Lipinski. Currently in rehearsals for the upcoming Stars on Ice Tour, Tara recently guest starred on the popular television series Veronica's Closet and can be seen next in Fox Family Channel's Ice Angel. Tara also has a recurring role continuing into its second season on CBS's top-rated daytime drama The Young and the Restless. "As a student, I know the value of having access to technology," said Lipinski. "More importantly, the technological skills Boys & Girls Club members learn will prepare them for a more successful future."

Each of the 10 local Boys & Girls Clubs selected as a Compaq Tech Center will receive equipment and technical assistance grants to launch Project Connect. The purpose of Project Connect is to develop and test a model for providing increased access to technology for Boys & Girls Club members nationwide.

The specific objectives behind the partnership between B&GCA and Compaq include: Establish and field-test 10 state-of-the-art tech centers, replicating the Houston model funded by Compaq earlier this year.

Develop and implement a structured youth development program employing technology. Develop training modules and resource guides that enhance professional staff development. The 10 new tech centers funded by Compaq will be outfitted with computers, printers, digital and video cameras, scanners, Internet access and a variety of software. The centers are designed to give young people the opportunity to discover, pursue and create projects related to art, science, telecommunications, engineering and more.

"Boys & Girls Clubs of America's partnership with Compaq supports our mission to provide Clubs with the technology skills critical for the new millennium," said Roxanne Spillett, B&GCA president. "Compaq's gift will help us begin to bridge the gap of access to technology and reach more young people and communities in need."

"Through Project Connect, we join one of the most respected youth organizations in the world to reach children across broad geographies and socio-economic levels," said Michael D. Capellas, President/CEO of Compaq. "We believe if you help children harness the power of technology, they can unlock their imagination, stimulate creative and logical thinking and expand their world of knowledge and communication."

The ultimate goal of Project Connect is to incorporate technology into every aspect of Club programming, using the technology center as the hub. Each tech center will have a dedicated space inside the local Boys & Girls Club, or be folded into an existing learning center. In addition to ensuring staff members are trained to keep the networks running smoothly, Compaq funds will be used to develop a full range of activities and programs that will appeal to all members, regardless of their age, gender or degree of technical savvy. For example, those members participating in sports and recreation might discover how to use technology to create posters, flyers and authentic sports trading cards.

The staff will also look to incorporate technology into existing Boys & Girls Club programs like career prep. Here teenage members will learn how to surf the web to determine career interests and how to best prepare for that first big job interview.

Those Club members with an existing interest in technology will be able to visit the tech center and participate in technology-specific programs such as web building, video music production, launching an on-line community service program, initiating a pen pal program via e-mail, and publishing newspapers and newsletters for fellow members, parents or the community.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Overall Commitment to Technological Literacy

Two years ago, when B&GCA developed a strategic plan for the new millennium, one area identified as critical to the organization's on-going success was the need for Clubs to offer programs with generation-changing outcomes. These programs will not only impact the lives of young people today, but also allow them to have a positive influence over successive generations. Earlier this year, B&GCA received funds from Microsoft and NBA super star Shaquille O'Neal totaling $2.4 million. These funds were used to establish 15 technology centers and pilot an online safety program.

History of Compaq's Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Compaq, which acquired Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998, has continued Digital's eight-year support of B&GCA. Last year, Compaq presented a cash and equipment grant to the organization totaling $600,000. The equipment portion of this grant helped construct a global intranet that allows B&GCA's national headquarters and its five regional service centers to link up with Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, resulting in faster and more efficient dissemination of information and resources. This grant, along with the current $1.2 million gift, is essential to B&GCA's goal of establishing 100 technology centers across the country over the next 10 years.

Compaq Computer Corporation (www.compaq.com), the world's largest computer manufacturer, is a Fortune 200 company, and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Founded in 1982, Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions and services including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumers PCs. The company is a leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of more than 2,300 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some three million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide character development programs on a daily basis for children 6 - 18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org