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Digital Divide 11/1999 [binder] [3]
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FOIA Number: 2019-0203-F
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
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Clinton Presidential Records
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National Economic Council
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Gene Sperling
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Digital Divide 11/1999 [binder] [3]
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1
March 7, 2000
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
FROM:
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT: HISPANIC MEETING ON THE DIGITAL DIVIDE TOUR
Time and Location
Thursday, March 9, 2000, 5-6:00pm.
Room 472 - OEOB
White House Attendees
YOU
Mary Beth Cahill
Jay Dunn
Brian Barreto
Guests (9)
Maritza Rivera, Vice President, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Roberto Frisancho, Executive Director, Latino Civil Rights Center
Marieli Colon, Executive Director, MANA, National Latina Organization
Sylvia Aguilera, Legislative Assistant, National Puerto Rican Coalition
Manuel Mirabal, President, National Puerto Rican Coalition
Gabriela Lemus, Policy Director, League of United Latino American Citizens
Van Ornelas, Legislative Director, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed
Officials
Laura Arce, Policy Analyst, National Council of La Raza
Doug Schoenberger, ATT
Format
Jay Dunn will introduce Mary Beth and YOU to audience and provide a brief introduction of
Mary Beth.
Mary Beth will welcome the audience to the White House and introduce YOU
YOU will make a your presentation and open the discussion for questions and statements.
Purpose
To discuss the President's upcoming New Markets Tour on the Digital Divide and provide
constituents with an opportunity to present their ideas on issues the Administration should
consider incorporating into the tour.
Background
Two weeks ago, OPL hosted a constituency briefing on the President's upcoming New Markets
Tour on the Digital Divide. The briefing discussed the President's plan to travel with CEOs,
civic leaders, and a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress to specifically focus on new
and expanded efforts that companies and organizations are undertaking related to the digital
divide in underserved areas of the country.
At the briefing, the audience expressed an interest for the Administration to provide separate
meetings where constituents could share their ideas concerning the digital divide and the
upcoming tour. This meeting will provide an opportunity for constituency input.
Enclosed is a general overview on the key Hispanic companies and organizations interested in
the digital divide. A representative from each company and organization will be present
tomorrow.
Maritza Rivera, Vice President
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)
The mission of the USHCC is to advocate, promote and facilitate the success of Hispanic
businesses by serving as a nationwide network of Hispanic business associations and firms,
working to expand business opportunities, encouraging reciprocal business relationships with
the public and private sectors, serve as an active and visible advocate in the business arena,
and actively promoting trade between the Hispanic business community in the United States
and Latin America.
Since its inception, 1979, the USHCC has worked towards bringing the issues and concerns
of the nation's more than 1 million Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national
economic agenda. Through its network of nearly 20 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and
Hispanic business organizations, the USHCC communicates the needs and potential of
Hispanic enterprise to the U.S. Government and Corporate America.
Roberto Frisancho, Executive Director
Latino Civil Rights Center (LCRC)
The LCRC is dedicated to promoting and defending the civil rights of Latinos. Since, its
inception in 1991, the LCRC has been at the forefront ensuring attention to the civil rights
and other interests (education, immigration, law enforcement and economic development)
important to the Latino community.
Marieli Colon, Executive Director
MANA, National Latina Organization
MANA, A National Latina Organization is a membership organization dedicated to the
empowerment of Latinas of all ages.
Manuel Mirabal, President
Sylvia Aguilera, Legislative Assistant
National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA)
The NHLA is an organization that brings together the leaders of the 28 major national
Hispanic organizations who represent diverse segments of the Latino community throughout
the United States and Puerto Rico. Since its inception, the national organizations that
comprise the NHLA have been at the forefront of establishing and supporting programs and
policies that ensure equity, responsiveness, and empowerment of the Hispanic community
toward the goal that this community may, indeed, be a full and productive participant in
American society.
Gabriela Lemus, Policy Director
League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC)
LULAC recently celebrated its 71st Anniversary, founded February 17, 1929, making it the
oldest continually operated Latino organization in the United States. LULAC provides more
than half a million dollars in scholarships to Latino students each year, conducts citizenship
and voter registration drives, develops low income housing units, conducts youth leadership
training programs, and seeks to empower the Latino community at the local, state and
national level.
In addition, LULAC provides counseling services to more than 18, 000 Hispanic students per
year; provides job skills and literacy training to the Latino community through more than
forty-eight employment training centers; and through an advisory board of Fortune 500
companies fosters stronger partnerships between Corporate America and the Hispanic
community.
Van Ornelas, Legislative Director
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
NALEO was established in 1981 to promote the participation of Latinos in the nation's civic
life. NALEO carries out its mission by developing and implementing programs that promote
the integration of Latino immigrants into American society, developing future leaders among
Latino youth, providing assistance and training to the nation's Latino elected and appointed
officials; and by conducting research on issues important to the Latino population.
Laura Arce, Policy Analyst
National Council of LaRaza (NCLR)
NCLR was established in 1968 to reduce poverty and discrimination, and improve life
opportunities, for Hispanic Americans. NCLR has chosen to work toward this goal through
two primary, complementary approaches: capacity-building assistance to support and
strengthen Hispanic community-based organizations and applied research, policy analysis,
and advocacy.
NCLR is the largest constituency-based national Hispanic organization, serving all Hispanic
nationality groups in all regions of the country. NCLR has over 230 formal affiliates who
together serve 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia - and a broader network of
more than 20,000 groups and individuals nationwide - reaching more than three million
Hispanics annually.
NCLR works closely with the private sector and has a broad base of financial support.
NCLR's credibility in the corporate sector is demonstrated by its active Corporate Board of
Advisors, which includes senior executives from 25 major corporations and their liaison
staff, who provide ongoing consultation and assistance on a variety of efforts, from education
and community health projects to visibility and fund raising.
Doug Schoenberger, (Attending for Rita DiMartino - Federal Government Relations Director -
highest ranking Hispanic at AT&T), AT&T
Carol Wilner, AT&T has been in contact with us regarding the President's upcoming trip.
AT&T prepared to announce a $1.2 million grant over four years to create an Academy of
Information Technology, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the IT industry, in
one of the following sites: Miami, Pittsburgh, Oakland, and Rio Grande Valley (TX). They
are also working on additional commitments to provide grants to universities for technology
training.
You will recall that Michael Armstrong participated in the President's Digital Divide
conference here at the White House in December 1998 with Secretary Daley and has been
very supportive of the President's New Markets initiative.
March 9, 2000
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
FROM:
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT: DISABILITY MEETING ON THE NEW MARKETS/DIGITAL DIVIDE TOUR
Time and Location
Friday, March 10, 2000, 2:15 p.m.
OEOB 180
White House Attendees
Mary Beth Cahill
Gene Sperling
Thomas Kalil
Jay Dunn
Jonathan Young
Guests
Carol Boyer, Project Associate, Technical Assistance Project, Rehabilitation and Education
Society of North America (RESNA), Alexandria, VA
Marc Brenman, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Civil Rights, DOT
Judy Brewer, Director, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Cambridge, MA
Deborah Buck, Director, TRAID Project, New York State Office of Advocates for Persons with
Disabilities, Albany, NY
Jennifer Dexter, Co-Chair, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Technology Task Force,
Easter Seals, Washington, DC
Alan Dinsmore, Executive Director, American Federation for the Blind, Washington, DC
James Gashel, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind, Washington, DC
James Geletka, Executive Director, Rehabilitation and Education Society of North America
(RESNA), Alexandria, VA
Judy Gilliom, Manager, DoD Disability Program, DOD
Larry Goldberg, Director, National Center of Accessible Media, Boston, MA
Kathy Ladipo, Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities
Larry Scadden, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA
Susan Turnbull, GSA Center for Information Technology Accommodation, Washington, DC
Gregg Vanderheiden, Director, Trace Research and Department Center, Madison, WI
Format
Jonathan Young will introduce Mary Beth
Mary Beth will welcome the audience to the White House and introduce YOU.
YOU will make a brief presentation and open floor to Q&A.
Purpose
To discuss the President's upcoming New Markets Tour on the Digital Divide, and solicit input
about how the President can incorporate the concerns of people with disabilities into the tour.
Background
On February 23, OPL hosted a constituency briefing on the President's upcoming New Markets
Tour on the Digital Divide. The briefing discussed the President's plan to travel with CEOs,
civic leaders, and a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress to specifically focus on new
and expanded efforts that companies and organizations are undertaking related to the digital
divide in underserved areas of the country.
OPL has been soliciting input from the disability community as preparation for tomorrow's
briefing, identifying programs around the country currently addressing the divide, and learning
about specific concerns. (A draft document summarizing programs throughout the country is
attached.)
Recently, the disability community has focused on Congressional activities, including a February
9 hearing in response to business concerns. People felt that the hearing successfully highlighted
the need and practicality of making the internet accessible.
Some advocates of web access have criticized the Department of Commerce for not being
more inclusive of the issues of a digital divide for people with disabilities in their conference
and reports. A recent study DOED-funded study by H. Stephen Kaye, Ph.D., "Computer And
internet Use Among People with Disabilities," concludes "that gaps in computer and Internet use
based on disability status are just as large as those based on race and ethnicity." People with
disabilities are about half as likely as their non-disabled peers to have access to a computer at
home, and about one-third as likely to have access to the internet.
ATTACHMENTS:
"Programs & Projects Working to Bridge the Digital Divide Among People with Disabilities"
(DRAFT 00-03-09).
Proposal for POTUS visit to Boston: Memo from Judy Brewer and Larry Goldberg
PROPOSAL FOR BOSTON/ACCESSIBILITY SEGMENT OF DIGITAL DIVIDE TOUR
Date:
March 8, 2000
From:
Judy Brewer, W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Larry Goldberg, WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)
Overview of Proposal:
Program:
Remarks by the President, followed by four ten-minute demos and presentations
around the theme of Web accessibility, for an estimated program length of one
hour.
Themes:
Web accessibility is vital for millions of Americans; Web accessibility is do-able;
there is progress in education, in e-commerce, and in software development to
support accessible Web design.
Venue:
MIT's Interactive Classroom "LiNC" (Learning Network Central) - a fully-wired
lecture hall for connecting with remote classrooms globally.
Detail:
Projects highlighted could four projects, described below.
Project Descriptions:
Project:
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Focus:
Guidelines, technology development, education/outreach to make Web accessible
Detail:
International effort, hosted by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), to make
Web accessible for people with disabilities. Ensures support for accessibility in
core Web technologies; develops guidelines for Web sites, browsers, authoring
tools; develops tools & educational materials; funded in part by NSF.
Demo:
Provides overview & context for following presentations. Brief description of
cross-disability barriers and demos of resources available for making Web sites
and software accessible.
Contact:
Judy Brewer, Director Web Accessibility Initiative, W3C
[email protected], 617 258 9741
http://www.w3.org/WAI
Project:
WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) & MIT PIVOT
Project (Physics Interactive Video On-Line Tutor)
Focus:
Accessible on-line education
Detail:
Collaborative effort with WGBH/NCAM & MIT Center for Advanced
Educational Services (CAES), to make an introductory physics class accessible
on-line, using captions for audio and descriptions for video; funded in part by
NSF.
Demo:
Individual w/ a visual disability and individual with a hearing disability browsing
accessible physics curriculum; and brief demo of captioning & description tools.
Brief description of project by NCAM Director and CAES Director.
Contact:
Larry Goldberg, Director National Center for Accessible Media, WGBH
Boston/Accessibility Segment, Digital Divide, p. 2
[email protected], 617 300 3722
http://www.wgbh.org/ncam
Project:
Bell Atlantic's BellAtlantic.com site
Focus:
Accessible e-commerce Web site
Detail:
Shows corporate commitment to Universal Design Principles and implementation
of W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines on commercial Web site.
Demo:
Brief tour by individual with visual disability of e-commerce aspects (checking
phone bill, purchasing services)
Contact:
Rich Ellis, Director of Strategic Alliances, Bell Atlantic
[email protected], 202 336 7839
http://www.bellatlantic.com
Project:
Allaire Corporation's HomeSite authoring tool
Focus:
Integration of accessibility principles into top of market commercial-grade
authoring tool for Web sites
Detail:
Presentation of accessibility improvements underway in HomeSite
Demo:
Demo of how easily accessible pages can be built w/ HomeSite; and how little
effort is required to convert inaccessible pages.
Contact:
Patrik Muzila, Development Manager for Visual Tools Group, Allaire
Corporation
[email protected], 617 761 2175
http://www.allaire.com/products/homesite/index.cfm
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS WORKING TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
AMONG PEOPLE WITH DISABILTIES (DRAFT 00-03-09)
[This is a work in progress, and will be updated with contact information, additional programs,
and revisions of current descriptions (currently the descriptions are largely unedited from the
organizations)]
ABLE-NET
ABLE-NET Internet Service, www.able-net.net, ABLE-NET Specializes in offering
affordable, accessible Internet Access for People with Disabilities in 31 States and
Canada.
Contact: John Kirby
(209) 556-9381
[email protected]
Access to Physics Interactive Video Tutor Project
The CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) is collaborating with the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Advanced Educational Services to make an
on-line interactive physics course accessible to students with disabilities. Known as "Access to
PIVOT" (Physics Interactive Video Tutor), this three-year project will test, implement, document
and promote the development of multimedia access solutions to make distance learning
accessible to blind, low-vision, deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Contact: Larry Goldberg
617-300-3722
Adaptive and Assistive Technology
The name of our program is "Adaptive and Assistive Technology" The Community
Adaptive and Assistive Technology Center offers personalized AAT services to people
with disabilities and their families. Through Its Computer Arts for Recreation And
Employability Program offered after school and on Saturdays, the CAAT Center, in
collaboration with local vocational education high schools, gives hands-on training in
computer arts, adaptive equipment services, evaluations, assistance in getting on-line and
accessing the Internet, and free equipment upon availability.
Contact: Elizabeth Sunshine, Executive Director
NYSID
930 Willowbrook Road - Bldg. 41-A
Staten Island, New York 10314
Office: phone/fax 717-494-6457
Page 1 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services
ACES, a 60-person all-volunteer organization, recycles used computer hardware and
software and distributes it, along with tech support services and tutoring, to low-income
disabled persons in San Diego County.
Contact: Mary L. Adams
LCSW
Executive Director
[email protected]
Assistive Technology Library of Alaska (ATLA)
ATLA's goal is to help individuals and families overcome barriers to finding and
accessing appropriate assistive technology. ATLA offers assessment/recommendations,
provides sale or rental of technology products, and offers training in the use and
maintenance of devices, and has a lending library. ATLA serves as a resource for people
with disabilities from birth throughout the life span, parents, other family members,
caregivers, educators and professionals.
A mix of state Technology Act funds, sales revenues, fee-for-service payments and
membership fees supports the organization. In addition to maintaining a central office to
coordinate on-site and off-site services, ATLA coordinates "The Alliance," a network of
agencies and individuals throughout Alaska that offer technology assistance to families in
outlying communities.
Assistive Technology Resource Center of Hawaii
Through extensive collaborations with community-based organizations and private
partners, HATTS works to fulfill its goals of promoting increased awareness and greater
access to assistive technology, and increasing consumer and provider skills, involvement
and empowerment with technology. Consistent with the requirements of the Technology
Act, its activities focus on helping rural and underserved communities gain access to
technology.
ATTIC
ATTIC is an independent living center in SW Indiana. We have been a recipient of used
computer equipment through the Christina Society and other groups. We have volunteer
computer technicians who service or salvage the donated equipment, then we load
donated software requested by individual to meet his/her needs, and system is given to
consumers. This is a small project, but made a world of difference for some consumers
especially students.
Contact: [email protected]
Page 2 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
Bancroft e-solutions
Our project is designed to seek job openings that are conducive to telecommuting and
matching them with applicants (who are based out of their homes) with skill sets based
upon the job requirements. NH (as you may or may not know) has large disparity
regarding access to the internet. Ideally we would like to go state wide with this project
but are currently limited to high speed access areas only.
We have a Leadership Education In Nuerodevelopmental Disorders-MCH
Interdisciplinary Training Project for graduate and post graduate students from 15
disciplines. One of our goals is not only to train them to have excellent clinical skills for
working with persons with disabilities and their families but also how to effectively
utilize assistive and telecommunications technology to enhance services and quality of
life. We have a fiberoptic videoconferencing facility here and a closed circuit KidsTV
network to hospital rooms and which can connect around the world as well as to over 270
schools right here in Indiana.
Contact: Dr. Lann E. Thompson, Associate Director
Riley Child Development Center
Riley Hospital for Children
702 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Career Training for Success Program
The Career Training for Success Program is a 26 week program designed to provide and
enhance basic and advanced skills in several areas. We offer training in the following
skill areas: computer operating systems, word processing applications, spreadsheet
applications, database applications, presentation applications, internet applications,
typing, filing, basic grammar, basic math, customer service, data entry, accounting,
medical technology, medical office, job seeking, employee development, GED
preparation, and adult literacy. The program is interactive and self-paced so consumers
learn at their own rate, and actually work with computers and office machines as they
receive individualized attention from instructors. We then "follow along" to offer support
and guidance in actual job exploration and placement.
Contact: Paul Hubbard
[email protected]
(816) 842-7425, ext.242
The Helping Hand of Goodwill Industries
1817 Campbell
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108-1794
CAST
Page 3 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
CAST has been a leader in the development of the educational paradigm we call
Universal Design for Learning(tm). We are working to make the general educational
curriculum--the curriculum that "typical" learners encounter in our schools--accessible
and educationally relevant for everyone, including learners with disabilities and even
gifted learners. The threshold requirement is that all educational curricular material be
produced in a digital version. Once that requirement is met, there are a lot of tools
available (including a product derived from CAST's own research, the CAST eReader)
that can make the material useful by people with all sorts of disabilities.
CAST recently became the lead organization in the new National Center on
Accessing the General Curriculum, sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Education/Office of Special Education Programs and with our partners,
Harvard Law, Boston College School of Education and the Council for Exceptional
Children. The National Center will explore the implications for policy, teacher education,
training and practice, and curriculum design, implied by Universal Design for Learning.
We find that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) excites those with whom we are able
to communicate, and we think that UDL can play a major role in addressing the Digital
Divide..
Contact: Donald R. Giller
Chief Resource Development Officer
CAST, Inc.
Center for Applied Special Technology
39 Cross Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Tel. +1 978 531 8555
TTY +1 978 538-3110
Fax +1 531-0192
Email: [email protected]
CE Disabled Services
From our beginnings in 1982 as CE Disabled Services, with a staff of 3, to a current staff
of 7, from having served 127 persons with disabilities in our first year, to providing
services to over 1,500 individuals last year. In 1989, Disabled Network Center joined
and became a part of our organization. CE Disabled Services has grown in size and in
our commitment to serving those with disabilities.
CE Disabled Services takes pride in its almost two decades of education and advocacy
efforts. We formed a coalition, which helped to promote awareness of disability access
issues. We advocated with City, County, State and Federal agencies for regulations to
reduce access problems. Our consumers advocated to make the Municipal Courts
accessible. A settled lawsuit, filed by consumers, mandated the City of Oceanside
become accessible. We strive to make our web site, those of the media, governmental
entities and others accessible to users of speech output technology.
Page 4 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
Contact: Dr Clyde Shideler
CE Disabled Services
P.O. Box 495
San Luis Rey, California 92068
Computer Recycling
The Tech Act Project and works initiated this program with the Natl. Christina
Foundation to solicit computers from business and industry for refurbishing and
redistribution to persons with disabilities.
Computer Recycling within state agencies
In order to make the best use of limited funds, the Tech Act Project works with Voc
Rehab and Services for the Visually Impaired to provide used computers for their
consumers who need them. VR and SVI provide the funding for necessary software and
accessibility modifications for the individual.
Descriptive Video Service®, NCAM
The Caption Center, Descriptive Video Service® (DVS®), and the CPB/WGBH National
Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) hold two grants from NIDRR; both are directly
addressing technical infrastructure barriers - the first of digital television and closed
captioning and video description and the second regarding "convergence technology" and
inaccessible user interfaces for such things as Web TV and other emerging hybrids of the
Internet and television. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is also supporting our
DTV Access work through a project called, "Accessing Public Broadcasting's Future."
Contact: Larry Goldberg
Director, Media Access
WGBH Educational Foundation
Internet: [email protected]
617-300-3722 (direct voice/FAX)
617-300-3400 (main NCAM)
617-300-2489 (TTY)
DO-IT
People with disabilities successfully pursuing academics and careers.
Programs to promote the use of technology to maximize the independence, productivity
and participation of people with disabilities.
Recipient of the National Information Infrastructure Award; Education and the
President's Award of Excellence in Mentoring and showcased at The President's summit
on Volunteerism.
People helping people achieve success.
Resources for you!
Page 5 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
Contact: Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Box 354842
Seattle, WA 98195-4842
206-685-DOIT (3648) -- voice/TTY
DPI
DPI is a nonprofit agency working in partnership with Silicon Valley businesses and the
community to prepare people with disabilities for competitive employment. Through
adaptive computer access technology and career transition services, DPI creates
opportunities for significant advances in universal access, social integration and
employment for people with disabilities.
Founded in 1980 as Disabled Programmers, Inc., by a former IBM executive whose son
was paralyzed in a diving accident, DPI formerly taught people with disabilities computer
programming. The agency was renamed DPI in 1995 and has since changed its focus to
employment access for individuals with disabilities and work-related injuries.
DPI focuses on four primary programs:
School-To-Career
Internship
Computer Access Technology (CAT) Lab
Mobile Access Technology (MAT) Lab
DPI assists individuals 15-years of age or older that have all types of Served physical
(ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke,..), sensory (Low
Vision, Blindness, Hard of Hearing,..), and learning disabilities, and work-related injuries
(Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's, Tendonitis, etc.).
There is no cost to enroll in the School-To-Career Program. The Computer Access
Technology Labs may require a fee for the evaluation and training of adaptive computer
equipment and ergonomic worksite evaluation. Approved clients may be eligible to
receive funding for services on a case-by-case basis or through corporate funding, the
Department of Rehabilitation or Worker's Compensation insurance carriers.
Nearly 26 million Americans are classified as "severely" disabled, requiring of DPI
personal or technological assistance to perform daily activities. People with disabilities
now represent the largest minority in the U.S. Most importantly, DPI offers persons with
disabilities the opportunity to work successfully in a competitive job market.
Contact: Maria F. Nicolacoudis
Executive Director DPI
(408) 278-2001
Page 6 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
eTranscribe
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has started an eTranscribe business to
train individuals with disabilities to become medical transcriptionists
and provide them contract work to perform from their homes using an array
of technology including computers with voice activated software, the
Internet, and Dictaphone equipment. Our eTranscribers prepare medical
reports for doctors at an accuracy rate of 98%, with a 24-hour turnaround.
Contact: Maureen Bates, EE&T Director
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii
email:[email protected]
Tel: (808) 836-0313
Mail: 2610 Kiliahu Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Florida Alliance for Assistive Service and Technology (FAAST)
The FAAST project is working with the Florida Department of Education's
demonstration site to provide overlapping services for access to assistive technology
outside the traditional school framework for adults beyond school age as well as those of
school age. Minorities and the elderly are served.
Contact: Terry Ward PhD
Project Director
850/487-3278
Georgia Tools for Life
Nearly 27 percent (1,270,584) Georgians have one or more disabilities. Of these, nearly
14 percent (656,097) have severe disabilities requiring one or more kinds of assistive
technology (LaPlante, et al, Technology and Disabilities, 6, pp. 17-28, 1997 and the 1990
U.S. Census Report). The Tools for Life project offers a computer-recycling center,
called Re-Boot, that refurbished almost 1,000 computers in 1999. The ReBoot program is
located at FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) at Stone Mountain,
Georgia.
Contact: Joy Kniskern
404/657-3084
Global Assistive Technology Explorer (GATE)
CRT will develop and sustain the Global Assistive Technology Explorer (GATE), a
comprehensive, up-to-date, easy-to-use national public Internet site on disability-related
resources. GATE will increase the availability of and access to information about AT,
Page 7 of 17
Disability Digital Divide
DRAFT 00-03-09
services, and resources for individuals with disabilities. The site will provide 24-hour
access to all those with Internet capability.
High School High Tech (HSHT)
A program called High School High Tech (HSHT) is in its third year of funding and we
are a grant funded program, in collaboration with Grant Wood AEA in CR. Our program
is for high school students with mild disabilities that have a desire to go onto a 2 or 4
year, that have a IEP or Accommodation Plan, they also have to have the desire to work
in the field of Technology.
We currently work with 12 high schools, serve approx. 90 students and provide students
with computer training, hands on web page design classes, job site tours, job site visits
and internships. We also provide support for students that need the additional assistance
getting to and from an activity, communicating with others and planning their future.
We currently are piloting the program in Iowa City and have been overwhelmed with the
support from teachers, students and businesses. Between the two cities we have 35
businesses involved and we provide a wide array of activities to our students.
Contact: Deana Berg
319-393-3434
[email protected]
Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
The Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) worked with the Iowa Department
for the Blind to develop a project to increase accessibility to the Internet for persons with
disabilities. The first part of the project was the creation of a booklet, Designing
Accessible Web Sites: Creating sites that are accessible to people with disabilities. The
booklet discusses how persons with disabilities access and use the web, and contains
instructions on how to create an accessible web site, including examples of accessible
sites and other resources.
Another component of the project is to work with the state library system. Many
individuals with disabilities do not own computers, but could access the Internet through
their public library. The newsletter of the State Library is distributed to all of the state's
340 public and private libraries and will have an article about web access and the booklet.
IPAT is coordinating with other entities and the State Librarian to work over the next few
years on improving library access.
In order to ensure that future web sites become accessible, IPAT is collaborating with the
Information Technology Services (ITS) office at the University of Iowa to develop
training materials on web access as part of the ITS web master classes. Training
materials will also be included in the ITS classes and courses on instructional design for
faculty and students in the Department of Education.
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Contacts: Mary Quigley
319/356-4402
Jane Gay
319/356-4463
Co-Directors
http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech
Lekotek
Lekotek is a nation-wide network of not-for-profit resource centers for children with
disabilities and their families whose mission is to foster inclusion. We offer a variety of
direct services including play with adapted toys and computers. One of our programs,
called "Compuplay", utilizes a vast array of assistive technologies from switches to
adapted keyboards to help children access the computer and the Internet.
Contact: Jennifer Frankfurter
[email protected]
Joyce Morimoto
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Merze Tate Center for Technology and Educational Reform
With the help of a $200,000 grant from the IBM Community Access
Program and another from Smartforce.com for 4,000 hours of on-line courseware, the
Merze Tate Center for Technology and Educational Reform at Western Michigan
University is leading a public-private initiative to develop a national on-line support
center to help facilitate the training of people with disabilities for employment in the fast
growing computer industry. An April 4, 2000 electronic ribbon cutting is planned in DC
by the US Dept. of Ed Assistant Secretary for OSERS, Juith Heumann.
The purpose of this alliance is to provide on-line training support to member programs of
the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology (ARPCT) and the
Inter-national Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation (I-NABIR). It is
estimated that this will involve about 120 training programs across the nation that
specialize in providing computer related training and employment assistance to adults
with disabilities especially those are homebound.
It is the goal of this project to provide on-line information and training on career
opportunities in the Informational Processing Industry in support of local training
programs for people with disabilities as well as the professionals that serve them. Within
this group of permanently displaced workers on the other side of the digital divide are
most individuals with disabilities. According to the 1998 Harris Poll, employment
continues to be the area with the widest gulf between those who are disabled and those
who are not.
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Contact: Robert J. Leneway
Senior Research Associate
Merze Tate Center for Research and Education Reform
3210 Sangren Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (616) 387-2051
Fax: (616) 3876184
e-mail: [email protected]
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership (MATP)
MATP has been very active in initiating and coordinating compliance with Section 508
of the Rehabilitation Act. The project was instrumental in orchestrating Executive Order
348 signing (1/1/93) which establishes state policy for access to electronic equipment and
information technologies for citizens with disabilities. The project trained 80 ADA
coordinators on Section 508; developed Section 508-compliant PC Standards through the
Governor's Advisory Council on IT; made GSA/COCA's Managing Information
Resources manual available electronically and in print to state agencies upon request;
provides technical assistance to state agencies in purchasing 508-compliant equipment;
provided technical assistance in the development of an amendment to Section 508 on the
federal level; advocated that the U.S. Department of Education develop a policy guidance
to the state Department of Education regarding accessibility of educational technology
and widely distributed Secretary Riley's letter to Massachusetts special education
departments; and provide technical assistance on Section 508 implementation on the state
level to other AT Act grantees.
Contact: Marilyn Howe
617-355-7820
http://www.matp.org
Motion Picture Access Project
With initial funding from the Dept. of Ed's NIDRR, we have developed digital
technology that allows people who are deaf or blind to access closed captions or video
descriptions in movie theaters. We have partnered with various Hollywood studios and
the General Cinema theater chain to roll this out across the country. Our 12th site will be
opening soon in DC at the Mazza Gallerie
Contact: Larry Goldberg
[email protected]
National AT Internet Site
The Center for Rehabilitation Technology will operate a National AT Internet Site. The
AT Act authorized a National AT Internet Site that would provide information to
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individuals with disabilities and the general public to increase access to AT devices,
services, and other related information.
Nebraska Meeting Place
A listserv that connects persons with disabilities all across Nebraska. The program started
with peer volunteers linked by computer e-mail. Peer volunteers who did not already
have a computer were provided one on long term loan by the project and connected
through free e-mail services such as Juno.
Net Corps
Americas sends high-tech volunteers throughout the Americas to custom design training
for organizations and people who normally would not have access to information
technology. We have recently developed a program specifically for people with
disabilities and will start our pilot project sending volunteers to Transitions in Antigua,
Guatemala.
Contact: Jessica Lewis
Organization of American States
1889 F Street, NW Second Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 458-3229 phone
(202) 458-3526 fax
[email protected]
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
The project provides technical assistance and t raining to set up a package of electronic
and information technology accessible hardware /software features with existing
computers for public access with public agencies and ed tech computer labs in schools.
Contact: Bill N. Newroe
Project Director
505/954-8539
http://www.nmtap.com
New York State TRAID Project
The New York AT project assisted with the New York state policy from the Director of
state agencies on making all state agencies' web sites accessible by July 2000 by
following the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative. The New
York TRAID Project is referenced in the State Technology Policy office for agencies
wishing to receive technical assistance on making their web sites accessible.
Contact: Deborah Buck
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518/474-2825
http://www.state.ny.us/disabledAdvocate/technlog.htm
North Carolina Assistive Technology Project
The North Carolina project assists with the "Virtual Buddies Program." This program is
funded through a private foundation that provides recycled computers and Internet access
to people with disabilities around the State. The program also works at the local level to
identify people knowledgeable about computers to assist new users. To date, the program
has provided 76 adults with disabilities services including the following: training, a
computer system, Internet access, computer upgrades, or modem.
The North Carolina project also coordinates a financial loan program through Nations
Bank for people with disabilities seeking low-interest loans for assistive technology.
Contact: Ricki Cook
Project Director
919/850-2787
http://www.mindspring.com/~ncatp
Parents Helping Parents - iTECH Center
The goal of the iTECH Center is to ensure that children and adults with special needs,
their families and the professionals who serve them are aware of and utilize technology to
enhance potential and to broaden the quality and enjoyment of their lives. Underlying this
goal is the belief that with the help of assistive technology, individuals with special needs
will be able to enter the mainstream of all aspects of society and be fully contributing,
visible members of society.
The iTECH Center is a resource center of the Alliance for Technology Access and also a
program of Parents Helping Parents (PHP), Inc. in Santa Clara, CA. PHP, a nonprofit
family resource center, is a Parent Training and Information Center and for 23 years has
served children with physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities. The program is
supported by a California Assistive Technology System (CATS) grant to provide
information and referral services.
ReBoot
ReBoot is a nonprofit, statewide, collaborative effort of many groups and organizations
committed to recycling computers. All participants in ReBoot's Computer Re-Utilization
Project receive the equipment as a donation; they do not buy the equipment. ReBoot
acquires the equipment, evaluates it, repairs it (if needed), loads licensed software,
distributes the equipment to people with disabilities; and trains the people on the
equipment. The program is operated 85 percent by volunteers-by people with
disabilities for people with disabilities. ReBoot has 10 training centers across the state.
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Rehabilitation Services for the Visually Impaired (RSVI)
One of many sources for assistive technology. To be eligible for services from our
agency, an individual must be visually impaired. If there are services offered by RSVI
which will enable the individual to achieve vocational or independent living goals, this
includes voice synthesizers on computers, closed circuit TVs, and print reading machines.
Contact: Kathy Hoell
[email protected]
RIPIN
I am the newly hired coordinator of a project here at RIPIN to help low income families
who have children with disabilities gain access to hardware, software, training and
support SO they can gain information and better advocate for their children.
Contact: Millie Hillman
Rhode Island Parent Information Network
175 Main St.
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 727-4144 ext. 35
Technology Opportunities Project (Atlanta, GA)
A Telerehabilitation Network to Support Community Re-entry Following Catastrophic
Injury. The overall goal of this project is to develop effective telerehabilitation
applications using advanced network technologies. A test-bed network will be developed
in the metro-Atlanta area to link rehabilitation professionals with patients who have
sustained catastrophic spinal cord and brain injuries, their family members, and
caregivers. The test-bed will emulate capabilities of the Next Generation Internet,
including high-bandwidth videoconferencing, remote monitoring, environmental control,
and high-speed delivery of interactive, multimedia instruction.
The network will be used to develop, deliver, and evaluate telerehabilitation applications
which (a) support community re-entry after catastrophic injury, (b) prevent or reduce the
severity of secondary complications often associated with catastrophic injury, and (c)
deliver health and wellness support and advocacy assistance to people with disabilities
living in the community.
The project expects to find that individuals who receive telerehabilitation: (1) achieve
greater success in community reintegration (e.g., return to work), (2) experience fewer
secondary complications; (3) demonstrate greater independence and self-efficacy; (4)
incur lower overall health care and support costs; and (5) report higher satisfaction with
their health-related quality of life.
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The Family Center on Technology and Disability
The Family Center on Technology and Disability, a project funded by the U.S.
Department of Education is designed to bring technology to individuals with disabilities.
One of the projects of the Family Center was to select model programs around the
country who are bringing technology to individuals with disabilities. Two of the
important criterion for selection as a model program were service to undeserved (e.g.
rural, minority) communities and collaboration with other organizations in the
community.
United Cerebral Palsy Associations of New Jersey (UCPA-NJ)
This agency's multiple technology-related projects share the common goal of helping
individuals and families to identify the technology solutions that best meets their needs
and to enable them to obtain and use the technology. The agency utilizes its extensive in-
house technological expertise to assist individuals and families throughout the state by
conducting evaluations and training, providing custom fabrication of devices, as well as
other services.
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Suffolk- Mobility Opportunities Via Education (MOVE)
The Children's Center, a division of UCP of Greater Suffolk, New York incorporated the
MOVE program into its services in 1997. MOVE is a therapeutic and educational
program designed to help people learn the skills needed for sitting, standing, and walking.
This collaborative program utilizes the services and knowledge of parents, educators,
therapists and other support personnel to help participants learn and practice skills while
engaged in activities of daily living.
Division of Services for the Blind (DSB): DSB directs delivery of services for persons
who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind. The available services and eligibility
criteria are the same as those in the general VR. The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind
(RCB) in Topeka is a comprehensive rehabilitation program offering independent living
skills training, and vocational assessment and technology services to help consumers
identify their employment-related skills, aptitudes and interests. Mobile teams are used to
offer specific services throughout the state. Kansas Seniors Achieving Independent
Living (KAN-SAIL) provides independent living skills training in the home communities
of older Kansans who experience blindness or visual loss. Rehabilitation Teaching:
Through this program, rehabilitation specialists go to consumers' homes and provides
training to help them adjust to blindness and increase their independent living skills.
Some of the training areas offered are communications, orientation and mobility, and
daily living skills. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) offers persons who are
legally blind the opportunity to manage food service operations, vending stands, snack
bars and gift shops. BEP uses funds generated by the vending stand operations, rather
than SGF, to match federal funds. Kansas Industries for the Blind (KIB) in Topeka offers
employment in manufacturing work and laser cartridge refurbishing for people who are
blind and who are not immediately able to succeed in competitive employment.
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Contact: Carolyn Perez
Services for the Blind
785-296-3311
Family Center on Technology and Disability
Susan Goodman
Project Director
(202) 973-7141
[email protected]
United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas (UCP-K)--Purchase of Assistive Technology Project
The overarching goal of this project is to assist families who have assistive technology
needs to secure the necessary equipment. Its primary activities include collaborating with
state, civic and charitable organizations to develop innovative funding packages that will
enable residents who have disabilities to obtain assistive technology. Annually, it strives
to secure assistive technology and related services valued in excess of $300,000 for at
least 200 families from across the state.
An annual allocation from the state legislature to Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS)
and a variety of grants and donations support the program.
Universal Access Protocol Coalition (UAPC)
The Universal Access Protocol Coalition (UAPC) is a coalition under development that
will be comprised of organizations representing people with disabilities and other
stakeholders that are committed to maximizing the accessibility of the Internet. The UAP
Coalition will facilitate access to the Internet and other distributed computer networks by
providing a service that dynamically adapts interfaces and content to each end-user's
individualized needs and preferences, particularly people with disabilities.
The result is optimal accessibility of the Internet by people with disabilities in addition to
individually predetermined adaptations of the Internet according to individual
preferences.
Contact: Greg McQuerter
858-452-9345
[email protected]
Jane West
301-718-0979
[email protected]
Virtual Buddies
The organization takes donated computers, and donated Internet accounts, and places
them in the homes of low-income people with different disabilities. The Virtual Buddies
program gives those of us who are socially isolated most of the time at our homes, a way
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to communicate with others, and better educate ourselves. We are just finishing a manual
that will make It easier for Disabled people to take College Courses via their computer at
home, SO we can continue our education, and get jobs too
Contact: Timothy Barbour
Smithfield NC
919-989-9718
[email protected]
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is an international project, hosted by the World Wide
Web Consortium (W3C), focusing on making the Web accessible to the many millions of
existing and potential Web users who have disabilities. The Web offers unprecedented access to
information, electronic commerce, educational opportunities, employment opportunities,
workplace communication, government services, recreation, and more; however there are
currently barriers to accessing the Web for people with visual, hearing, physical and cognitive
disabilities.
W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), in coordination with industry, disability
organizations, research centers and government, addresses accessibility of the Web through five
complementary activities:
- Ensuring that Web technologies support accessibility
- Developing guidelines for accessibility
- Developing tools to evaluate & facilitate accessibility
- Conducting education and outreach
- Coordinating with research and development
WAI is supported in part by funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S.
Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, as well
as other national governments, and industry. WAI's most well-known resources are its guidelines
for accessible Web sites, browsers, and authoring tools. It also produces a variety of educational
materials and training events on Web accessibility. More information is available at
http://www.w3.org/WAI.
Contact: Judy Brewer
Director, Web Accessibility Initiative
617-258-9741
[email protected].
Winners on Wheels (WOW)
Winners on Wheels (WOW) is a national non-profit organization with programs designed
for youth in wheelchairs. We call our participants Winners. The
WOW programs aim to create an environment that encourages self-esteem,
independence, and empowerment through activities done in groups (Circles) or
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individually via our write in program (Kids Connection) and Online Internet activities
(Wheels Online). In each instance the activities the Winners work on "Wheels," are
based on a scouting type of curriculum separated into six activities (Spokes) each. When
a Winner completes all six Spokes he/she is then rewarded with a badge designed
specifically for that Wheel.
Promoting our program online has been a main focus of 1999 and is for the year 2000
and beyond. Several foundations have granted funds for converting our Wheels for
individual and interactive Online use. With that The California Endowment has also
granted funds for our National office to buy and distribute 9 laptop computers to Circles
across the country. Another grant recently received will give us the opportunity to
deliver these laptops and provide a web camp day of instruction with delivery.
Contact: John Houseman,
Executive Director
800-969-8255 ext. 02887
559-294-2887
or
Stephanie King
Winners On Wheels
800-969-8255 extension 02344
email: [email protected]
Page 17 of 17
March 7, 2000
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
FROM:
TOM KALIL
GIGI GEORGES
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT:
DIGITAL DIVIDE UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR TOMORROW'S
DIGITAL DIVIDE MEETING
This memo includes a proposed itinerary to initiate serious site discussions and an update on corporate
commitments to date.
I.
Itinerary Options for April Trip
You could lay out options for how the trip would move in order to get buy in for possible event ideas as
well as site locations. We are assuming the trip can accommodate either four or five stops: two on day
one, two on day two, and a possible morning event on day three.
Thematically, we suggest the following:
Day One:
Morning - Schools/Education Technology
Afternoon - Native Americans
Day Two:
Morning - Families/Adult Access and IT Training for Workers
Afternoon - Connected Communities
Day Three (possible):
Morning - Communities/Legislative Action
Day One, Morning Event:
Recommendation: Kick off with a school-based event in East Palo Alto, CA.
Since the first event will attract the most attention, we could have the CEO roundtable (i.e.,
Bill Gates, Steve Case, Carly Fiorina, etc) with a focus on education.
Would be broadcast via satellite to a number of different schools around the country where
students and teachers would interact with the roundtable participants.
The President could announce all of our School and Ed Tech commitments:
Agreements by PTA, NSBA to survey schools
Commitments from teacher colleges to help train all new teachers
Also include the major deliverables that will not be a focus at any of the other events.
Day One, Afternoon Event:
Recommendation: Fly to a Native American reservation where the President would announce
all of our efforts and commitments to Native Americans. Strong recommendation for
coordinating a bipartisan event in New Mexico.
CISCO is currently putting together a commitment proposal for Native Americans.
Include commitments from companies that would host Native American e-commerce websites.
Commerce, SBA and USDA are looking into possible deliverables at specific locations in
Indian Country, including New Mexico, Montana, and Nevada.
Day Two, Morning Event:
Option 1: Begin the day in either a Midwestern or Southern city. Possible options include
cities in Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Mississippi.
This might include an event at one of HUD's Neighborhood Network sites or a Community
Technology Center - i.e., POWERUP site -- where the President could highlight:
the Neighborhood Networks program increase from 500 to 1000 centers
the commitment of $32.5 million to expand the number of CTCs to XX (DOE is
providing us with the exact number)
a major corporate commitment: for example, AOL scaling up the number of
POWERUP sites
This option could include celebrity/sports star participation to highlight the motivation piece,
including similar events at satellite locations.
Could also announce PSA "No fear, no shame" campaign.
Option 2: Begin the day in Detroit, and focus the event around home access and technology
training. This might include an event with Big Three Auto Companies, highlighting both
existing and new home access commitments and employee technology training.
PeoplePC has told us they are aggressively working on getting the GM and Daimler-Chrysler
to follow Ford's lead by providing their employees with computers and low-price Internet
access. Also talking to other major companies and unions to replicate the program that Ford
launched (NOTE: this information is business confidential). They suggested that an event in
Detroit could include a photo opportunity with Ford providing computers to their employees.
NOTE: Choosing Detroit could significantly contribute to making the deliverable a reality.
Day Two, Afternoon Event:
Option 1: Go to Boston to highlight what can be done when local government takes an active
role in building partnerships with the private sector to serve communities needs. Also can use
this forum to announce Connected Communities Day in the fall.
Boston is a good candidate for this given the Mayor's comprehensive efforts to being
technology companies and efforts together throughout the city. Boston efforts include: 80
CTCs and 26 libraries, TechBoston: a high tech certification program for middle and high
school kids, and Technology Goes Home: a home access and training program for low-income
families.
Can include new commitments from some of the Internet start-up companies located on Route
128.
Option 2: Go to New York City to highlight Computers For Youth (CFY), a program that
solicits Pentium computers from the New York City business community, has them repaired
by students in a vocational program in East Harlem, and then distributes them to an inner-city
school where they provide computers to all the families who have children attending that
school, as well as the teachers and parents and they train them to use the computers
collectively. The program is aiming to scale up their program from 250 computers to tens of
thousands computers by the end of the school year. NOTE: This commitment is not finalized,
but could be if we pushed it.
This event could include participation by key NY based Internet and multimedia companies
that are part of a group of companies known as "Silicon Alley."
OPTIONAL Day Three, Morning Event:
Recommendation An event in DC to bring together a congressional rally on closing the
digital divide. The President could announce commitments to the DC area from Northern
Virginia companies as well as emphasize the need for legislative action on closing the digital
divide.
Each event would utilize technology to expand it to a number of different sites around the country.
II.
Proposals for Commitments
3Com: The new Connected Entrepreneur Awards Program is a quarterly award program highlighting
successful small businesses that use networking technology to offer innovative products and/or
services to their communities. The Program enables 3Com and the YWCA of the U.S.A. to encourage
small businesses to institute mentor programs that educate youth, particularly young girls and women,
to the benefits of high technology in the workplace and to create an overall positive learning
experience. NOTE: This program is currently focused in New York, however we are talking with
them about scaling up and expanding the program for the April trip.
AOL: They will get back to us by COB Thursday with a specific commitment, although they have
discussed scaling up the number of PowerUP sites for the trip. In addition, AOL also has project in
development called "Technology Works" which is a regional support center, placed in DC that will
provide technical assistance and support to non-profit organizations.
AT&T: They are prepared to announce a $1.2 million grant over four years to create an Academy of
Information Technology, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the IT industry, in one of
the following sites: Miami, Pittsburgh, Oakland, and Rio Grande Valley (TX). They are also working
on additional commitments to provide grants to universities for technology training.
Yahoo!: They are creating a program called Camp Yahoo to train the trainers, working with the Boys
and Girls Clubs and other community Technology Centers. They are also providing $1 million in
internet PSAs to recruit technology volunteers to Americorps and other volunteer organizations.
III.
Pending Commitments
Cisco Systems: We know that he is interested in teacher training and that Cisco is working on
broadband technology which would be well-suited for a commitment to a Native American/rural site.
Qualcomm: Working on launching a new high-speed modem able to connect to the Internet 150
times faster than other modems. This announcement could be made on an Indian reservation or
another rural location.
SBC Communications: OPL is working on a commitment to build on the work SBC is already doing
-- including its efforts to provide high-speed internet access (ADSL) to underserved communities
(note: major focus currently in California).
Enron: Investing in minority-owned high-tech companies. They have a pending commitment with an
Internet auction site, but we are following up to get further details on this partnership.
People PC: Working on getting the GM and Daimler-Chrysler to follow Ford's lead by providing
their employees with computers and low-price Internet access. Also talking to other major companies
and unions to replicate the program that Ford launched (NOTE: this information is business
confidential). They suggested an event in Detroit that would include a photo opportunity with Ford
providing computers to their employees.
NorthPoint Communications: They are currently in discussions with HUD regarding its
Neighborhood Networks as well as USDA's Rural Empowerment Zone program. NorthPoint
Communications provides high-speed Internet access over existing phone lines using DSL
technology. They are willing to make a "substantial" commitment for the trip.
GovWorks.com: The company is in the process of relocating its corporate headquarters to Harlem. It
will be the anchor tenant in a Harlem Technology Cluster and hopes to attract several other
technology companies to the area. The Technology Cluster will include an incubation space and a
technical training facility designed to help increase career opportunities in Harlem. It will also provide
the tenant companies with greater access to individuals who complete programs and have developed
strong technical skills.
Other Possible Major Corporate Commitments
Microsoft/Gates Foundation
John Doerr
Hewlett-Packard
Radio Shack/Tandy
IV.
Commitment Follow-Up
You and Mary Beth will have met with Civil Rights group leaders and are scheduled to meet with
Hispanic Leaders (Thursday) and Disability community representatives (Friday).
We have sent out letters to 35 CEOs describing our goals, asking for sign on to the Call to Action, and
participation in the April trip.
OPL is doing follow-up with the Washington Reps. from each of these corporations. NEC is also
following up with corporate staffers, agency liaisons and others.
Tuesday, March 7, 2000
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
FROM:
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEETING ON THE DIGITAL DIVIDE TOUR
Time and Location
Wednesday, March 8, 2000, 1:30pm in First Lady's Office, Room 100.
Speakers
YOU
Mary Beth Cahill
Jay Dunn
Guests (10)
Brian Maillian, President, Whitestone Capital, Inc. & FreedomCardUSA.com
Darien Dash, CEO, DME Interactive, Inc.
Jonathan Jackson, OneNetnow.com & Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
John Templeton, Co - Coveyner, Coalition for Fair Employment in Silicon Valley & Executive
Editor, BlackMoney.Com
James Bonds, President, BoardRoom Presentations, Inc. & BridgingTheDivide.Org
Wade Henderson or Brian Komar, Executive Director, Leadership Conference on Civil
Rights (LCCR) or Technology Director, LCCR
Hilary Shelton, Director, NAACP Washington Bureau
Dr. Bill Spriggs, Director, National Urban League Research and Public Policy Department
Dr. Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich Executive Director, Black Leadership Forum
Ms. Sullivan Robinson, Executive Director, Congress of National Black Churches
Ken Sain, Partner Relations Director, PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide
Format
Jay Dunn will introduce YOU and Mary Beth to audience.
Jay will provide a brief introduction of Mary Beth.
Mary Beth will welcome the audience to the White House and will introduce YOU.
YOU will make a brief presentation which will focus on the both the policy and trip goals
and what we hope to accomplish after the trip. In addition, YOU can talk about how the
attendees could participate on the call to action, the trip and future activities.
YOU will open the discussion for questions and statements [NOTE: Mary Beth will field
questions and comments].
Purpose
To discuss the President's upcoming New Markets Tour on the Digital Divide and provide
constituents with an opportunity to present their ideas on issues the Administration should
consider incorporating into the tour.
Background
Two weeks ago, OPL hosted a constituency briefing on the President's upcoming New Markets
Tour on the Digital Divide. The briefing discussed the President's plan to travel with CEOs,
civic leaders, and a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress to specifically focus on new
and expanded efforts that companies and organizations are undertaking related to the digital
divide in underserved areas of the country.
At the briefing, the audience expressed an interest for the Administration to provide separate
meetings where constituents could share their ideas concerning the digital divide and the
upcoming tour. This meeting will provide an opportunity for constituency input.
The following is a general overview on the key African American companies and organizations
interested in the digital divide. A representative from each company and organization will be
present tomorrow to elaborate on their involvement.
Internet Companies(5)
Darien Dash, Founder & CEO
DME Interactive Holdings, Inc.
Englewood Cliffs NJ
DME Interactive Holdings Inc., founded in 1994, is the first publicly traded African
American owned Advanced Technology agency. Its mission statement: "Expanding the
Hardware and Software Infrastructure within Minority Communities."
DME Interactive Holdings specializes in all forms of interactive development and
consultation:
Strategy - High End Strategy and Online Business Development;
Programming - Java, C/ C++, SQL, HTML, DHTML, Cold Fusion;
Design - PhotoShop; Illustrator, Quark, Macromedia Director, Dreamweaver, Flash;
Hosting Services - Shared, dedicated or co-location services;
Marketing - Online and Off-line marketing strategies and campaigns;
Ad Sales - Targeted solutions created to attract the advertising and sponsorship markets.
As the first African American owned technology company to be publicly traded, it started out
offering consultation and development services for noted African American recording artist
and companies like LaFace Records, MSBET, Def Jam, Peeps Republic, So So Def,
Maxwell, MS-BET, HBO HomeVideo, Loud Records, Flavor Unit Entertainment.
Today, it is known as a major contributor to the "Urban New Media" space within Silicon
Alley. They recently announced its newest initiative to expand the Hardware infrastructure
within minority communities called "Plug In or Get Shut Out." Current clients include
notables such as motown.com; HBOHomeVideo.com; and msbet.com/actionppv.
DME Interactive currently has a partnership with AOL to bridge the digital divide. Their
partnership will develop an urban branded ISP targeted towards African Americans and
Hispanics/Latinos.
DME Interactive's newest initiative focuses bridging the digital divide by expanding the
Hardware infrastructure within minority communities. DME Interactive Holdings wants to
provide hardware access to African American and Hispanic markets through a program they
call, "Plug In or Get Shut Out." They are close to finalizing a deal with IBM, Gateway, and
other companies to help in this effort.
Brian Maillian
Whitestone Capital Group, Inc./Freedomcardusa.com
New York, NY & Marina Del Ray, CA
Brian Maillian is the President and CEO of Whitestone Capital Group, Inc. He is also a
Board Member of The FreedomCard USA, Inc. (FCI). FCI is a minority business enterprise
that offers financial services targeted to several key markets: urban consumers, multi-ethnic
populations, large financial institutions interested in fulfilling their Community Reinvestment
Act (CRA) requirements and commitments, and minority institutions lacking capital to create
the infrastructure to manage credit card programs.
The purpose of the FreedomCard is to improve and enhance the quality of life for the urban
consumer and small business owner in need of credit services. FreedomCard offers credit
products for the sub-prime market and the low to moderate-income consumer who resides in
the major cities of America, as well as those with excellent established credit.
FreedomCard is committed to re-investing a portion of its profits in the economic
development (would provide funding to financial literacy training) of this marketplace. They
also help non-profit organizations raise funds for their community programs through their
Distributor Program. Its majority shareholders are Wesley R. Buford, Founder and
Chairman, and John S. Chalsty, Chairman of Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette.
FCI sees itself as a capital solution to bridging the digital divide. As a premier financial
service targeted in the urban marketplace, FCI proposes to offer low to moderate-income
consumers an opportunity to participate in the technology industry by gaining credit
acceptance to log onto the information highway.
Jonathan Jackson (Tentatively Someone else may represent.)
OneNetNow.Com/Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
Los Angeles, CA
OneNetNow.com is considered the first online community Web site specifically designed to
bridge the Digital Divide by providing content, community and e-commerce relevant to
multi-ethnic groups. By proactively reaching out to Latinos, African Americans, Asians,
Native Americans and other minority groups, OneNetNow.com hopes to be a culturally
diverse online community that allows its members to connect through common interests and
create interactive dialogue.
Basic services include email, chat, homepages, audio and video streaming, online publishing
tools, community bulletin boards, online events and e-commerce.
Was launched by CEO Carlton Jenkins and the board includes Reverend Jesse Jackson,
Edward James Olmos, Andrew Shue, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Linda Johnson Rice,
Monica Lozano, and Sammy Sosa.
John Templeton, Co - Convenor
Coalition for Fair Employment in Silicon Valley
Executive Editor, BlackMoney.Com
Oakland, CA
Mr. Templeton is the co-covenor of the coalition called, "The Coalition for Fair Employment
in Silicon Valley." This coalition produced the report entitled: Silicon Ceiling: Solutions for
Closing the Digital Divide. It is a 600-page report which reported on 253 high-tech federal
contractors. More than 70% of African Americans surveyed reported workplace
discrimination. "Only 26 of the 253 companies achieved the Bay Area norm for African-
American employees, despite the presence of 300,000 blacks in high-tech jobs nationally--
including 150,000 systems analysts and programmers--and despite the existence of 1 million
black military veterans under 35 with technical training."
James Bond
BridgingtheDivide.org & BoardRoom Presentations, Inc.
Chadds Ford, PA
In February, BoardRoom Presentations hosted a digital divide conference in Delaware.
Over 400 people attended from around the country to help discuss ways to bridge the digital
divide.
Bond attended the last White House briefing on the digital divide He made a statement that
he wanted to share with the Administration some of the ideas and solutions presented from
the conference. This meeting provides an opportunity for him to present some of them.
Civil Rights Community (6)
Dr. Bill Spriggs, Director, Research and Public Policy
National Urban League (NUL)
Washington, DC & New York, NY
The NUL has a program called "Computers for Learning" which places hundreds of
thousands of computers in the Nation's classrooms and prepares children to contribute and
compete in the 21st century. The program is designed to donate surplus Federal computer
equipment to schools and educational nonprofits, giving special consideration to those with
the greatest need. NUL recently embarked on a partnership with DME Interactive to help
plug young Americans from the minority community and their families with computers.
Wade Henderson, Executive Director or Brian Komar, Technology Director LCCR
Washington, DC
LCCR is a coalition organization representing over 40 civil rights based groups. Their
involvement with technology and the digital divide encompasses helping to close the digital
divide in all segments of society in America. LCCR believes closing the digital divide
requires reaching people on the rural areas and being able to account for all minorities by the
use of Census 2000. LCCR is working to make it accessible for people to enter into the
technology field by promoting linkages with the private sector community who are in fight
against the digital divide.
NOTE: You should be aware that the Leadership Conference made the suggestion to contact
the Ad Council regarding PSAs. They have also agreed to circulate our Call to Action to
their coalition.
Hilary Shelton, Director
NAACP Washington Bureau
Washington, DC & Baltimore, MD
The NAACP, the country's largest and oldest civil rights organization has made technology
issues a priority this year.
They see the digital divide as a social justice issue. They are
interested in making sure minorities have equal accessibility to technology opportunities and
information.
Ms. Sullivan Robinson, Director
Congress of National Black Churches (CNBC)
Washington, DC
CNBC is a umbrella organization for the eight religious denominational organizations:
African Methodist Episcopal; African Methodist Episcopal Zion; Christian Methodist
Episcopal; Church of God in Christ; National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; National
Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; and
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
They are currently involved in negotiating relationships with the private sector to develop
partnerships with some of their organizations to help bridge the digital divide in the African
American constituency and religious community.
Dr Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich, Executive Director
Black Leadership Forum (BLF)
Washington, DC
BLF is the umbrella organization for 25 of the major African American Civil Rights
Organizations. BLF is currently involved in negotiating relationships with the private sector
to develop partnerships with some of their organizations to help bridge the digital divide.
Ken Sain, Partner Relations Director
PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide
Washington, DC
PowerUP: Bridging the Digital Divide is comprised of more than a dozen nonprofit
organizations, major corporations and federal agencies that have joined together to launch a
major new multimillion dollar initiative to help ensure that America's underserved young people
acquire the skills, experiences and resources they need to succeed in the digital age.
The new initiative, called PowerUP, is a unique partnership to give underserved youth access
to technology and guidance on how to use it. Based in schools and community centers around
the country, PowerUP will provide young people with access to the wide range of
content and information on the Internet and also help them develop additional skills they
need to succeed in the 21st century. PowerUP has been established as a commitment to
America's Promise "The Alliance for Youth."
Created as a nonprofit organization, PowerUP is guided by a board of directors chaired
by Steve Case, Chairman and CEO, America Online and includes: Erskine Bowles,
partner at Forstmann Little and former White House chief of staff; Jean Case, President of the
Case Foundation; Carly Fiorina, President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard; Jack Kemp, Co-
Director of Empower America; Sam Nunn, Partner at King and Spalding and former U.S.
Senator; Leon Panetta, Director of the Panetta Institute and former Director of OMB and White
House chief of staff; General Colin Powell, Chairman of America's Promise; Franklin Raines,
Chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae; and Roger Staubach, Chairman and CEO, The Staubach
Company; Ted Waitt, Chairman and CEO, Gateway.
FROM DIGITAL DIVIDE TO
DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY:
THE PRESIDENT'S
NATIONAL CHALLENGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
The Goals of Digital Opportunity
II.
Elements of a National Partnership
III.
The Administration's Proposals for Digital
Opportunity
DRAFT
FROM DIGITAL DIVIDE TO DIGITAL OPPORTUNTY
Access to computers and the Internet and the ability to use this technology effectively are becoming
increasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life. While computer
and Internet access has exploded during the Clinton-Gore Administration, America faces a digital divide" --
a gap between those who have access to Information Age tools and the skills to use them and those who don't.
America has an important choice to make. We can allow unequal access to deepen divisions along the lines of
race, income, education level, and geography, or we can use technology to help make the American dream a
reality for more citizens. The Clinton-Gore Administration is committed to doing its part to ensure that all
Americans benefit from opportunities created by information technology. But the government can not and
should not do this alone. We need to build partnerships and develop a comprehensive approach to bringing
digital opportunity to all Americans.
That is why we are asking you to build on actions you are already taking by agreeing to:
Support the President's National Challenge to bridge the digital divide by agreeing to devote time and
energy toward bringing digital opportunity to more Americans.
Make new and innovative commitments to schools, families and local communities.
Participate in the President's New Markets trip during the week of April 9th
Support legislative initiatives designed to bridge the Digital Divide.
Your willingness to participate in these efforts will go a long way toward meeting two urgent and critical goals:
to bring digital opportunity to every child in every school and to under-served families and communities.
GOAL ONE: 21ST CENTURY LEARNING TOOLS FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
For children to succeed, they need to master basic skills at an early age. A critical element of this is the
need for information and technological literacy. To help achieve these aims, we must focus on a
comprehensive approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning while recognizing that as
powerful as computers are they are no substitute for an inspiring teacher or a loving parent. Together,
we must:
1.
Connect every classroom and school to the Internet
2.
Ensure that students have computer access, ideally at a ratio of 1 computer for every 4-5 students
3.
Ensure that teachers are technologically literate and can integrate technology into the curriculum
4.
Make available high quality educational software and resources
GOAL TWO: DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
To ensure that no family or community is left behind, we must:
1. Set the long-term goal of making access to the Internet in the home universal
2. Bring technology to every community -- urban and rural -- through Community Technology Centers
and high-speed networks
3. Give adults and young adults the skills they need to use information technology and compete for jobs
in the IT sector
4. Motivate and inspire more people to appreciate the value of "getting connected"
DRAFT
ELEMENTS OF A NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
We can only reach our goals by developing strong partnerships between government, industry, and the rich
mosaic of America's civil society -- educators, labor unions, librarians, civil rights leaders, faith-based
organizations, foundations, and volunteers, and community-based organizations. We must also recognize that
while competition, market forces, technological progress and new business models will help expand access by
lowering the price of Internet access, computers, and "information appliances," access to technology is only
one piece of the puzzle.
That is why we are urging that we agree to take a comprehensive approach: addressing not only Internet access
and hardware, but the creation of quality content and applications, effective training, the development of
information literacy, and intensive support and guidance from teachers and mentors. We must also make a
special effort to find ways to motivate and inspire those who are not connected to see the value of participating
in the Information Revolution.
By pledging to take on specific challenges in the overall effort -- beginning with some of the items outlined
below -- you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of American children and families.*
We also encourage other ideas and commitments to help bring digital opportunity to all Americans in a
sustained and thorough way.
GOAL 1: 21ST CENTURY LEARNING TOOLS FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
Taking Action to Meet All Aspects of the Goal
Make every school a model school by providing a comprehensive approach to education technology.
Examples of partnerships that have taken this comprehensive approach include PowerUP (with support from
AOL, Case Foundation, Gateway, HP, Sun, and Americorps), the Joint Venture Silicon Valley "21ˢᵗ Century
Education Initiative," and the "NextDay" project of NetDay.
Match the Administration's Investment in the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund.
The Administration is proposing an increase from $425 million to $450 million to help states and local
communities meet all four components of the goal.
Work with local parents' groups to develop and complete school-wide surveys to determine which of the goal's
four components are being met.
Offer experts from universities and corporations to work full or part-time in schools - devoting their knowledge
and energy to helping schools achieve all four parts of the goal.
*
: Examples are for illustrative purposes only -- there are many other companies and non-profits that are working to bridge the
digital divide.
2
DRAFT
Connecting Every Classroom and Library to the Internet
Continue support for the E-rate
E-Rate has provided $3.65 billion in support Internet connections in schools and libraries over the last two
years -- with the deepest discounts to the poorest schools that need it most.
Continue volunteer efforts such as NetDay, TechCorps, and the "High Speed Education Connection" of the
cable TV industry.
Providing Schools with the Computers they Require
Donate computers to schools and libraries to bring greater access to technology to children and families
The Administration is extending and expanding an enhanced tax deduction to allow companies to deduct
more than the cost of their donation.
Training Teachers to Use Technology Effectively in the Classroom
Develop partnerships to provide technology training to all new and existing teachers.
The Administration has set a goal of training all new teachers to use technology, and has proposed $150
million to help meet this goal, which companies can support by partnering with schools of education.
The CEO Forum has developed a detailed set of goals for how schools of education and states can work
to ensure that all teachers are prepared to teach using technology.
Several companies (e.g. Intel, Microsoft, AT&T) are also devoting significant resources to training
existing teachers with summer academies, and follow-up support during the course of the school year.
Providing Compelling Content
Create a Digital Library for Education to help students and teachers find quality content on the Internet.
The Administration is proposing $41 million for an initiative to expand access to high-quality Internet-
based educational resources, and to make it easier for parents, teachers and students to find compelling
content by grade level and subject area.
Several companies (e.g. Ameritech, MCI WorldCom) have partnered with government agencies to offer
intensive training to teachers SO they can develop content, and have provided grants to institutions to
digitize special collections (such as the Library of Congress "American Memory" project).
3
DRAFT
Motivating Young People to Learn and Use Technology to its Fullest Potential.
Motivate and train youth for careers in information technology
Companies such as Cisco, 3Com and Novell have launched programs which help prepare students for
high-paying jobs in the IT sector.
Develop Public Service Announcements with celebrities
Sports and entertainment stars can agree to do PSAs showing them using the computers and explaining
why they are excited about the Internet, and why mastering these new tools is SO important.
Develop Public Service Announcements with celebrities to motivate young people and adults to use
computers and explore the Internet including a "no fear, no shame" campaign for those adults who
may be reluctant to admit that they don't know how to use technology.
This kind of campaign would also be important for adults -- many of whom might be afraid to admit that
they don't know how to use technology.
GOAL 2: DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Expanding Home Access
Provide computers and Internet services to your employees and their families.
Leading U.S. companies such as Ford and Delta have determined that providing their employees with
computers and Internet access at reduced rates is critical to upgrading the skills of their employees.
The Administration has proposed $50 million for a pilot project to expand home access for low-income
families. Companies can support local projects through free or discounted hardware, software, Internet
access and training. Pilots are being supported by Computers For Youth, Microsoft, Bell Atlantic, IBM,
and "Clickstart."
Creating more Community Technology Centers
Donate all aspects of technology to help provide national coverage through Community Technology
Centers (CTCs). CTCs provide children and adults a place to go where technology and assistance is
available to them-including everything from conducting job searches to finding child care to providing
children with structured after-school programs.
The Administration is proposing to expand its investment in CTCs from $32.5 million to $100 million-
to create up to 1,000 new centers.
By extending and expanding an enhanced tax deduction, the Administration encourages companies to
donate equipment, software, Internet access, support and instructors to expand the number of CTCs.
4
DRAFT
Providing Greater Training to Allow all Individuals to Fully Participate in the Digital Economy
Offer training and internships to prepare more minorities and low-income workers for IT sector jobs
Information Technology Association of America is leading efforts to expand the number of minority
internships in IT companies. Other companies and non-profits are getting positive results by providing
IT training to people who are unemployed, on welfare, or holding minimum-wage jobs.
One California-based non-profit (OpNet) has been able to help people who were unemployed or making
an average of $6 per hour compete successfully for jobs paying up to $45,000 year. Another consortium
of Northern California companies has launched a project called "Welfare-to-Web" to provide the training
people need to make the transition from welfare to high-tech jobs.
Provide Basic Technology Training to Workers
Companies can take advantage of the President's tax credit and provide their employees with basic
computer training, workplace literacy or other basic education.
Increase access to "information literacy" skills
According to the American Library Association, an information literate person is "able to recognize
when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively." Companies
can donate the computers and Internet access that librarians need to provide people with these skills.
Providing Content and Applications that will Help Empower Low-Income Communities
Develop content to help families access quality information and resources to meet their everyday needs
Examples might include compelling courseware for adult literacy, adult basic education, English as a
Second Language, or the skills needed to start a "micro-enterprise."
Companies, state and local government agencies and non-profits can also collaborate to develop
"portals" that would provide one-stop access to content particularly relevant to the needs of low-income
families - such as child care, transportation, employment opportunities, and social services.
The Administration is proposing to triple its investment in the Technology Opportunities Program (to
$45 million), which has supported many innovative applications of information technology.
Bringing Advanced Technology to Isolated Rural Communities and to Indian Country
Ensure that Native Americans participate in the New Economy. The Native American community can
benefit from training for IT jobs, access to broadband networks that can help bring technology-related
employment, e-commerce solutions for Native American small businesses, and the use of technology to
preserve and share Native American culture.
The Administration proposes $10 million for grants to tribal colleges for networking and access; course
development; student assistance; and capacity building.
5
DRAFT
Develop innovative business models and new technologies to deploy advanced services to rural America.
The Administration has proposed several hundred million in loan guarantees to accelerate the
deployment of broadband wireline and wireless networks to rural America.
Companies are developing broadband technologies that can be cost-effectively deployed.
Companies are exploring ways to bring fiber optic networks to rural states if users can pool their
purchasing power.
Ensuring that Information Technologies and the Internet are Accessible to People with Disabilities
Make the Web and information technology accessible for people with disabilities.
The Administration and Internet companies are co-funding the "Web Accessibility Initiative" through
the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Internet and e-commerce companies can move to adopt Web
accessibility standards being developed by the W3C for Web content, browsers and authoring tools.
Many telecommunications companies are working to enhance the accessibility of their products to meet
the requirements of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
The Administration is proposing increased funding to improve the state-of-the-art of assistive
technology, and to make it more affordable for people with disabilities.
6
DRAFT
FROM DIGITAL DIVIDE TO DIGITAL OPPORTUNTY
Access to computers and the Internet and the ability to use this technology effectively are becoming
hcreasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life. While computer
and Internet access has exploded during the Clinton-Gore Administration, America faces a "digital divide" --
a gap between those who have access to Information Age tools and the skills to use them and those who don't.
America has an important choice to make. We can allow unequal access to deepen divisions along the lines of
race, income, education level, and geography, or we can use technology to help make the American dream a
reality for more citizens. The Clinton-Gore Administration is committed to doing its part to ensure that all
Americans benefit from opportunities created by information technology. But the government can not and
should not do this alone. We need to build partnerships and develop a comprehensive approach to bringing
digital opportunity to all Americans.
That is why we are asking you to build on actions you are already taking by agreeing to:
Support the President's National Challenge to bridge the digital divide by agreeing to devote time and
energy toward bringing digital opportunity to more Americans.
Make new and innovative commitments to schools, families and local communities.
Participate in the President's New Markets trip during the week of April 9th
Support legislative initiatives designed to bridge the Digital Divide.
Your willingness to participate in these efforts will go a long way toward meeting two urgent and critical goals:
to bring digital opportunity to every child in every school and to under-served families and communities.
GOAL ONE: 21ST CENTURY LEARNING TOOLS FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
For children to succeed, they need to master basic skills at an early age. A critical element of this is the
need for information and technological literacy. To help achieve these aims, we must focus on a
comprehensive approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning while recognizing that -- as
powerful as computers are they are no substitute for an inspiring teacher or a loving parent. Together,
we must:
1.
Connect every classroom and school to the Internet
2.
Ensure that students have computer access, ideally at a ratio of 1 computer for every 4-5 students
3.
Ensure that teachers are technologically literate and can integrate technology into the curriculum
4.
Make available high quality educational software and resources
GOAL TWO: DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
To ensure that no family or community is left behind, we must:
1. Set the long-term goal of making access to the Internet in the home universal
2. Bring technology to every community urban and rural through Community Technology Centers
and high-speed networks
3. Give adults the skills they need to use information technology and compete for jobs in the IT sector
4. Motivate and inspire more people to appreciate the value of "getting connected"
DRAFT
ELEMENTS OF A NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
We can only reach our goals by developing strong partnerships between government, industry, and the rich
mosaic of America's civil society -- educators, labor unions, librarians, civil rights leaders, faith-based
organizations, foundations, and volunteers, and community-based organizations. We must also recognize that
while competition, market forces, technological progress and new business models will help expand access by
lowering the price of Internet access, computers, and "information appliances," access to technology is only
one piece of the puzzle.
That is why we are urging that we agree to take a comprehensive approach: addressing not only Internet access
and hardware, but the creation of quality content and applications, effective training, the development of
information literacy, and intensive support and guidance from teachers and mentors. We must also make a
special effort to find ways to motivate and inspire those who are not connected to see the value of participating
in the Information Revolution.
By pledging to take on specific challenges in the overall effort -- beginning with some of the items outlined
below you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of American children and families. We
also encourage other ideas and commitments to help bring digital opportunity to all Americans in a sustained
and thorough way.
GOAL 1: 21ST CENTURY LEARNING TOOLS FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
Taking Action to Meet All Aspects of the Goal
Make every school a model school by providing a comprehensive approach to education technology.
Work with local parents' groups to develop and complete school-wide surveys to determine which of the goal's
four components are being met.
Offer experts from universities and corporations to work full or part-time in schools - devoting their knowledge
and energy to helping schools achieve all four parts of the goal.
Match the Administration's $450 million investment in the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund -- to help
bring comprehensive technology solutions to states and local communities.
Connecting Every Classroom and Library to the Internet
Continue support for the E-rate to bring Internet connections to our schools and libraries -- with the deepest
discounts going to our neediest schools.
Continue volunteer efforts such as NetDay and TechCorps.
Providing Schools with the Computers they Require
Donate computers to schools and libraries to bring greater technology access to children and families.
2
DRAFT
Training Teachers to Use Technology Effectively in the Classroom
Develop partnerships to help provide technology training to all new and existing teachers.
'roviding Compelling Content
Create a Digital Library for Education to help students and teachers find quality Internet content.
GOAL 2: DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Expanding Home Access
Build on the momentum created by a number of employers by providing computers and Internet services at
reduced rates to employees and their families.
Creating more Community Technology Centers
Donate all aspects of technology to help expand the number of Community Technology Centers (CTCs) --
to make computers, Internet access and locally assistance available to children and adults.
Providing Greater Training to Allow all Individuals to Fully Participate in the Digital Economy
Provide training and internships to prepare minorities and low-income workers for IT sector jobs.
Provide basic technology training to employees to expand computer expertise and workplace literacy.
Donate computers and Internet access to libraries to help more Americans develop "information literacy"
skills - SO that they can more effectively locate, evaluate, and use the information they need.
Motivating People to Learn and Use Technology to its Fullest Potential
Develop Public Service Announcements with celebrities to motivate young people and adults to use
computers and explore the Internet -- including a "no fear, no shame" campaign for those adults who may
be reluctant to admit that they don't know how to use technology.
Creating and Providing Content and Applications that will Help Empower Low-Income Communities
Develop content to help families access quality information and resources to meet their everyday needs
including child care, transportation, employment opportunities, and social services.
Bringing Advanced Technology to Isolated Rural Communities and to Indian Country
Provide Native Americans with training for IT jobs, access to broadband networks, e-commerce solutions
for small businesses, and the use of technology to preserve Native American culture.
Develop innovative business models and broadband technologies to deploy advanced services to rural
America.
Ensuring that Information Technologies and the Internet are Accessible to People with Disabilities
Adopt accessibility standards and enhance the accessibility of products to bring the Web and information
technology to people with disabilities.
3
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Baird
2
Bryant
Tuesday, March 7, 2000
3
Chesoles : Muoic
Bal Buy
R-ppers
4
not have weed cans
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
5 for inventius
FROM:
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEETING ON THE DIGITAL DIVIDE TOUR
486
Apple P.C
Time and Location
Wednesday, March 8, 2000, 1:30pm in First Lady's Office, Room 100.
/
most impact
Speakers
Fair
Prenting
253
2
Emphyt
YOU
5000
Mary Beth Cahill
3
Positive Sill
Jay Dunn
(Plaple 1 Center
Partnet
Guests (10)
newth-o-t to 77 peple
4
Far Marh Walner
Brian Maillian, President, Whitestone Capital, Inc. & FreedomCardUSA.com
S
Darien Dash, CEO, DME Interactive, Inc.
Jonathan Jackson, OneNetnow.com & Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
John Templeton, Co - Coveyner, Coalition for Fair Employment in Silicon Valley & Executive
Editor, BlackMoney.Com
James Bonds, President, BoardRoom Presentations, Inc. & BridgingTheDivide.Org
Wade Henderson or Brian Komar, Executive Director, Leadership Conference on Civil
Rights (LCCR) or Technology Director, LCCR
Hilary Shelton, Director, NAACP Washington Bureau
Dr. Bill Spriggs, Director, National Urban League Research and Public Policy Department
Dr. Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich, Executive Director, Black Leadership Forum
Ms. Sullivan Robinson, Executive Director, Congress of National Black Churches
Ken Sain, Partner Relations Director, PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide
Format
Jay Dunn will introduce YOU and Mary Beth to audience.
Jay will provide a brief introduction of Mary Beth.
Mary Beth will welcome the audience to the White House and will introduce YOU.
YOU will make a brief presentation which will focus on the both the policy and trip goals
and what we hope to accomplish after the trip. In addition, YOU can talk about how the
attendees could participate on the call to action, the trip and future activities.
YOU will open the discussion for questions and statements [NOTE: Mary Beth will field
questions and comments].
BulBl Deply
Stay
Purpose
To discuss the President's upcoming New Markets Tour on the Digital Divide and provide
constituents with an opportunity to present their ideas on issues the Administration should
consider incorporating into the tour.
Background
Two weeks ago, OPL hosted a constituency briefing on the President's upcoming New Markets
Tour on the Digital Divide. The briefing discussed the President's plan to travel with CEOs,
civic leaders, and a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress to specifically focus on new
and expanded efforts that companies and organizations are undertaking related to the digital
divide in underserved areas of the country.
At the briefing, the audience expressed an interest for the Administration to provide separate
meetings where constituents could share their ideas concerning the digital divide and the
upcoming tour. This meeting will provide an opportunity for constituency input.
The following is a general overview on the key African American companies and organizations
interested in the digital divide. A representative from each company and organization will be
present tomorrow to elaborate on their involvement.
Internet Companies(5)
Darien Dash, Founder & CEO
DME Interactive Holdings, Inc.
Englewood Cliffs NJ
DME Interactive Holdings Inc., founded in 1994, is the first publicly traded African
American owned Advanced Technology agency. Its mission statement: "Expanding the
Hardware and Software Infrastructure within Minority Communities."
DME Interactive Holdings specializes in all forms of interactive development and
consultation:
Strategy - High End Strategy and Online Business Development;
Programming - Java, C/ C++, SQL, HTML, DHTML, Cold Fusion;
Design - PhotoShop; Illustrator, Quark, Macromedia Director, Dreamweaver, Flash;
Hosting Services - Shared, dedicated or co-location services;
Marketing - Online and Off-line marketing strategies and campaigns;
Ad Sales - Targeted solutions created to attract the advertising and sponsorship markets.
As the first African American owned technology company to be publicly traded, it started out
offering consultation and development services for noted African American recording artist
and companies like LaFace Records, MSBET, Def Jam, Peeps Republic, So So Def,
Maxwell, MS-BET, HBO HomeVideo, Loud Records, Flavor Unit Entertainment.
Today, it is known as a major contributor to the "Urban New Media" space within Silicon
Alley. They recently announced its newest initiative to expand the Hardware infrastructure
within minority communities called "Plug In or Get Shut Out." Current clients include
notables such as motown.com; HBOHomeVideo.com; and msbet.com/actionppv.
DME Interactive currently has a partnership with AOL to bridge the digital divide. Their
partnership will develop an urban branded ISP targeted towards African Americans and
Hispanics/Latinos.
DME Interactive's newest initiative focuses bridging the digital divide by expanding the
Hardware infrastructure within minority communities. DME Interactive Holdings wants to
provide hardware access to African American and Hispanic markets through a program they
call, "Plug In or Get Shut Out." They are close to finalizing a deal with IBM, Gateway, and
other companies to help in this effort.
Brian Maillian
Whitestone Capital Group, Inc./Freedomcardusa.com
New York, NY & Marina Del Ray, CA
Brian Maillian is the President and CEO of Whitestone Capital Group, Inc. He is also a
Board Member of The FreedomCard USA, Inc. (FCI). FCI is a minority business enterprise
that offers financial services targeted to several key markets: urban consumers, multi-ethnic
populations, large financial institutions interested in fulfilling their Community Reinvestment
Act (CRA) requirements and commitments, and minority institutions lacking capital to create
the infrastructure to manage credit card programs.
The purpose of the FreedomCard is to improve and enhance the quality of life for the urban
consumer and small business owner in need of credit services. FreedomCard offers credit
products for the sub-prime market and the low to moderate-income consumer who resides in
the major cities of America, as well as those with excellent established credit.
FreedomCard is committed to re-investing a portion of its profits in the economic
development (would provide funding to financial literacy training) of this marketplace. They
also help non-profit organizations raise funds for their community programs through their
Distributor Program. Its majority shareholders are Wesley R. Buford, Founder and
Chairman, and John S. Chalsty, Chairman of Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette.
FCI sees itself as a capital solution to bridging the digital divide. As a premier financial
service targeted in the urban marketplace, FCI proposes to offer low to moderate-income
consumers an opportunity to participate in the technology industry by gaining credit
acceptance to log onto the information highway.
Jonathan Jackson (Tentatively Someone else may represent.)
OneNetNow.Com/Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
Los Angeles, CA
OneNetNow.com is considered the first online community Web site specifically designed to
bridge the Digital Divide by providing content, community and e-commerce relevant to
multi-ethnic groups. By proactively reaching out to Latinos, African Americans, Asians,
Native Americans and other minority groups, OneNetNow.com hopes to be a culturally
diverse online community that allows its members to connect through common interests and
create interactive dialogue.
Basic services include email, chat, homepages, audio and video streaming, online publishing
tools, community bulletin boards, online events and e-commerce.
Was launched by CEO Carlton Jenkins and the board includes Reverend Jesse Jackson,
Edward James Olmos, Andrew Shue, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Linda Johnson Rice,
Monica Lozano, and Sammy Sosa.
John Templeton, Co - Convenor
Coalition for Fair Employment in Silicon Valley
Executive Editor, BlackMoney.Com
Oakland, CA
Mr. Templeton is the co-covenor of the coalition called, "The Coalition for Fair Employment
in Silicon Valley." This coalition produced the report entitled: Silicon Ceiling: Solutions for
Closing the Digital Divide. It is a 600-page report which reported on 253 high-tech federal
contractors. More than 70% of African Americans surveyed reported workplace
discrimination. "Only 26 of the 253 companies achieved the Bay Area norm for African-
American employees, despite the presence of 300,000 blacks in high-tech jobs nationally--
including 150,000 systems analysts and programmers--and despite the existence of 1 million
black military veterans under 35 with technical training."
James Bond
BridgingtheDivide.org & BoardRoom Presentations, Inc.
Chadds Ford, PA
In February, BoardRoom Presentations hosted a digital divide conference in Delaware.
Over 400 people attended from around the country to help discuss ways to bridge the digital
divide.
Bond attended the last White House briefing on the digital divide He made a statement that
he wanted to share with the Administration some of the ideas and solutions presented from
the conference. This meeting provides an opportunity for him to present some of them.
Civil Rights Community (6)
Dr. Bill Spriggs, Director, Research and Public Policy
National Urban League (NUL)
Washington, DC & New York, NY
The NUL has a program called "Computers for Learning" which places hundreds of
thousands of computers in the Nation's classrooms and prepares children to contribute and
compete in the 21st century. The program is designed to donate surplus Federal computer
equipment to schools and educational nonprofits, giving special consideration to those with
the greatest need. NUL recently embarked on a partnership with DME Interactive to help
plug young Americans from the minority community and their families with computers.
Wade Henderson, Executive Director or Brian Komar, Technology Director LCCR
Washington, DC
LCCR is a coalition organization representing over 40 civil rights based groups. Their
involvement with technology and the digital divide encompasses helping to close the digital
divide in all segments of society in America. LCCR believes closing the digital divide
requires reaching people on the rural areas and being able to account for all minorities by the
use of Census 2000. LCCR is working to make it accessible for people to enter into the
technology field by promoting linkages with the private sector community who are in fight
against the digital divide.
NOTE: You should be aware that the Leadership Conference made the suggestion to contact
the Ad Council regarding PSAs. They have also agreed to circulate our Call to Action to
their coalition.
Hilary Shelton, Director
NAACP Washington Bureau
Washington, DC & Baltimore, MD
The NAACP, the country's largest and oldest civil rights organization has made technology
issues a priority this year.
They see the digital divide as a social justice issue. They are
interested in making sure minorities have equal accessibility to technology opportunities and
information.
Ms. Sullivan Robinson, Director
Congress of National Black Churches (CNBC)
Washington, DC
CNBC is a umbrella organization for the eight religious denominational organizations:
African Methodist Episcopal; African Methodist Episcopal Zion; Christian Methodist
Episcopal; Church of God in Christ; National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; National
Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; and
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
They are currently involved in negotiating relationships with the private sector to develop
partnerships with some of their organizations to help bridge the digital divide in the African
American constituency and religious community.
Dr Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich, Executive Director
Black Leadership Forum (BLF)
Washington, DC
BLF is the umbrella organization for 25 of the major African American Civil Rights
Organizations. BLF is currently involved in negotiating relationships with the private sector
to develop partnerships with some of their organizations to help bridge the digital divide.
Ken Sain, Partner Relations Director
PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide
Washington, DC
PowerUP: Bridging the Digital Divide is comprised of more than a dozen nonprofit
organizations, major corporations and federal agencies that have joined together to launch a
major new multimillion dollar initiative to help ensure that America's underserved young people
acquire the skills, experiences and resources they need to succeed in the digital age.
The new initiative, called PowerUP, is a unique partnership to give underserved youth access
to technology and guidance on how to use it. Based in schools and community centers around
the country, PowerUP will provide young people with access to the wide range of
content and information on the Internet and also help them develop additional skills they
need to succeed in the 21st century. PowerUP has been established as a commitment to
America's Promise "The Alliance for Youth."
Created as a nonprofit organization, PowerUP is guided by a board of directors chaired
by Steve Case, Chairman and CEO, America Online and includes: Erskine Bowles,
partner at Forstmann Little and former White House chief of staff; Jean Case, President of the
Case Foundation; Carly Fiorina, President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard; Jack Kemp, Co-
Director of Empower America; Sam Nunn, Partner at King and Spalding and former U.S.
Senator; Leon Panetta, Director of the Panetta Institute and former Director of OMB and White
House chief of staff; General Colin Powell, Chairman of America's Promise; Franklin Raines,
Chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae; and Roger Staubach, Chairman and CEO, The Staubach
Company; Ted Waitt, Chairman and CEO, Gateway.
March 7, 2000
MEMORANDUM TO GENE SPERLING
FROM:
TOM KALIL
GIGI GEORGES
NATASHA BILIMORIA
SUBJECT: DIGITAL DIVIDE UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR TOMORROW'S
DIGITAL DIVIDE MEETING
This memo includes a proposed itinerary to initiate serious site discussions and an update on corporate
commitments to date.
I.
Itinerary Options for April Trip
You could lay out options for how the trip would move in order to get buy in for possible event ideas as
well as site locations. We are assuming the trip can accommodate either four or five stops: two on day
one, two on day two, and a possible morning event on day three.
Thematically, we suggest the following:
Day One:
Morning - Schools/Education Technology
Afternoon - Native Americans
Day Two:
Morning - Families/Adult Access and IT Training for Workers
Afternoon - Connected Communities
Day Three (possible):
Morning - Communities/Legislative Action
Day One, Morning Event:
Recommendation: Kick off with a school-based event in East Palo Alto, CA.
Since the first event will attract the most attention, we could have the CEO roundtable (i.e.,
Bill Gates, Steve Case, Carly Fiorina, etc) with a focus on education.
Would be broadcast via satellite to a number of different schools around the country where
students and teachers would interact with the roundtable participants.
The President could announce all of our School and Ed Tech commitments:
Agreements by PTA, NSBA to survey schools
Commitments from teacher colleges to help train all new teachers
Also include the major deliverables that will not be a focus at any of the other events.
Day One, Afternoon Event:
Recommendation: Fly to a Native American reservation where the President would announce
all of our efforts and commitments to Native Americans. Strong recommendation for
coordinating a bipartisan event in New Mexico.
CISCO is currently putting together a commitment proposal for Native Americans.
Include commitments from companies that would host Native American e-commerce websites.
Commerce, SBA, and USDA are looking into possible deliverables at specific locations in
Indian Country, including New Mexico, Montana, and Nevada.
Day Two, Morning Event:
Option 1: Begin the day in either a Midwestern or Southern city. Possible options include
cities in Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Mississippi.
This might include an event at one of HUD's Neighborhood Network sites or a Community
Technology Center - i.e., POWERUP site -- where the President could highlight:
the Neighborhood Networks program increase from 500 to 1000 centers
the commitment of $32.5 million to expand the number of CTCs to XX (DOE is
providing us with the exact number)
a major corporate commitment: for example, AOL scaling up the number of
POWERUP sites
This option could include celebrity/sports star participation to highlight the motivation piece,
including similar events at satellite locations.
Could also announce PSA "No fear, no shame" campaign.
Option 2: Begin the day in Detroit, and focus the event around home access and technology
training. This might include an event with Big Three Auto Companies, highlighting both
existing and new home access commitments and employee technology training.
PeoplePC has told us they are aggressively working on getting the GM and Daimler-Chrysler
to follow Ford's lead by providing their employees with computers and low-price Internet
access. Also talking to other major companies and unions to replicate the program that Ford
launched (NOTE: this information is business confidential). They suggested that an event in
Detroit could include a photo opportunity with Ford providing computers to their employees.
NOTE: Choosing Detroit could significantly contribute to making the deliverable a reality.
Day Two, Afternoon Event:
Option 1: Go to Boston to highlight what can be done when local government takes an active
role in building partnerships with the private sector to serve communities needs. Also can use
this forum to announce Connected Communities Day in the fall.
Boston is a good candidate for this given the Mayor's comprehensive efforts to being
technology companies and efforts together throughout the city. Boston efforts include: 80
CTCs and 26 libraries, TechBoston: a high tech certification program for middle and high
school kids, and Technology Goes Home: a home access and training program for low-income
families.
Can include new commitments from some of the Internet start-up companies located on Route
128.
Option 2: Go to New York City to highlight Computers For Youth (CFY), a program that
solicits Pentium computers from the New York City business community, has them repaired
by students in a vocational program in East Harlem, and then distributes them to an inner-city
school where they provide computers to all the families who have children attending that
school, as well as the teachers and parents and they train them to use the computers
collectively. The program is aiming to scale up their program from 250 computers to tens of
thousands computers by the end of the school year. NOTE: This commitment is not finalized,
but could be if we pushed it.
This event could include participation by key NY based Internet and multimedia companies
that are part of a group of companies known as "Silicon Alley."
OPTIONAL Day Three, Morning Event:
Recommendation: An event in DC to bring together a congressional rally on closing the
digital divide. The President could announce commitments to the DC area from Northern
Virginia companies as well as emphasize the need for legislative action on closing the digital
divide.
Each event would utilize technology to expand it to a number of different sites around the country.
II.
Proposals for Commitments
3Com: The new Connected Entrepreneur Awards Program is a quarterly award program highlighting
successful small businesses that use networking technology to offer innovative products and/or
services to their communities. The Program enables 3Com and the YWCA of the U.S.A. to encourage
small businesses to institute mentor programs that educate youth, particularly young girls and women,
to the benefits of high technology in the workplace and to create an overall positive learning
experience. NOTE: This program is currently focused in New York, however we are talking with
them about scaling up and expanding the program for the April trip.
AOL: They will get back to us by COB Thursday with a specific commitment, although they have
discussed scaling up the number of PowerUP sites for the trip. In addition, AOL also has project in
development called "Technology Works" which is a regional support center, placed in DC that will
provide technical assistance and support to non-profit organizations.
AT&T: They are prepared to announce a $1.2 million grant over four years to create an Academy of
Information Technology, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the IT industry, in one of
the following sites: Miami, Pittsburgh, Oakland, and Rio Grande Valley (TX). They are also working
on additional commitments to provide grants to universities for technology training.
Yahoo!: They are creating a program called Camp Yahoo to train the trainers, working with the Boys
and Girls Clubs and other community Technology Centers. They are also providing $1 million in
internet PSAs to recruit technology volunteers to Americorps and other volunteer organizations.
III.
Pending Commitments
Cisco Systems: We know that he is interested in teacher training and that Cisco is working on
broadband technology which would be well-suited for a commitment to a Native American/rural site.
Qualcomm: Working on launching a new high-speed modem able to connect to the Internet 150
times faster than other modems. This announcement could be made on an Indian reservation or
another rural location.
SBC Communications: OPL is working on a commitment to build on the work SBC is already doing
-- including its efforts to provide high-speed internet access (ADSL) to underserved communities
(note: major focus currently in California).
Enron: Investing in minority-owned high-tech companies. They have a pending commitment with an
Internet auction site, but we are following up to get further details on this partnership.
People PC: Working on getting the GM and Daimler-Chrysler to follow Ford's lead by providing
their employees with computers and low-price Internet access. Also talking to other major companies
and unions to replicate the program that Ford launched (NOTE: this information is business
confidential). They suggested an event in Detroit that would include a photo opportunity with Ford
providing computers to their employees.
NorthPoint Communications: They are currently in discussions with HUD regarding its
Neighborhood Networks as well as USDA's Rural Empowerment Zone program. NorthPoint
Communications provides high-speed Internet access over existing phone lines using DSL
technology. They are willing to make a "substantial" commitment for the trip.
GovWorks.com: The company is in the process of relocating its corporate headquarters to Harlem. It
will be the anchor tenant in a Harlem Technology Cluster and hopes to attract several other
technology companies to the area. The Technology Cluster will include an incubation space and a
technical training facility designed to help increase career opportunities in Harlem. It will also provide
the tenant companies with greater access to individuals who complete programs and have developed
strong technical skills.
Other Possible Major Corporate Commitments
Microsoft/Gates Foundation
John Doerr
Hewlett-Packard
Radio Shack/Tandy
IV.
Commitment Follow-Up
You and Mary Beth will have met with Civil Rights group leaders and are scheduled to meet with
Hispanic Leaders (Thursday) and Disability community representatives (Friday).
We have sent out letters to 35 CEOs describing our goals, asking for sign on to the Call to Action, and
participation in the April trip.
OPL is doing follow-up with the Washington Reps. from each of these corporations. NEC is also
following up with corporate staffers, agency liaisons and others.
CALENDAR
PEER
Spring Internet World
March 9-13 @ Los
Angeles Yes it's that time
already. Come with a hype detec-
tor. but come. (events.world.com)
Seybold Seminars
March 16-20 @ Javitz
REVIEW
Center, New York This IS
where technology and publishing
meet Naturally, it's grown to cover
the Net, too. (www.sbforums.com)
Venture Market South
March 16-17 @ Ritz
Carlton-Buckhead,
Atlanta First there was West
then East now The Red Herring
launches a VC debutante ball for
southern technodollars. (www.her-
Casebook No. 28 Still believe the only technologies that sell well
ring.com/eventsicalendar)
Software Marketing
in black America are beepers and cutting-edge footwear? Well. watch your
Perspectives '98 March
29-April I @ Colorado
stereotypes: African-Americans spent over $1 billion on hardware and software
Springs, Colo. Kind of cold n
last year-more than on TVs, cell phones and pagers combined. And that's de-
Colorado on these dates, we'd say
(see below). Agenda is b-to-b.
spite IT marketing, not because of it. This month. MC takes a look at fledgling ef-
(www.softwaremarketing.com)
forts to target technology to African-Americans. Page 42 Inside
MC Summit April 2-3
Moves Awash in feedback from a controversial piece on women in tech
@
Pan Pacific Hotel, San
Francisco The second annual
marketing, Kristin Zhivago draws a line: Success is about character. not gender.
power forum for technology mar-
Page 46 Crunching Numbers Wondering if anyone else owns
keters, delivering essential wisdom
from luminaries in every corner of
that groovy handheld you got for Christmas? Not sure whether Windows CE is
IT. Plus, the fourth annual ICON
history or the future? Look no further. Page 47 Tearsheet Heads up.
awards. You know the URL
branders: Frank Priscaro shows why IBM's ubiquitous e-business ads. by Ogilvy
March
I
& Mather. offer an example of technology creative at its very best. Page 48
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
The Help Files Our monthly digest of technology marketing
9
10
=
12
13
14
15
know-how
Creative Issues Confessions of an agency head: drum roll Frank
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Priscaro's Top Ten list of the worst things about advertising firms. Page 50
30
31
Channel Marketing If you think you're fond of "demo days." wait until you get
April
the bill. Channel pro Craig DeWolf outlines better ways to drive your product
I
2
3
4
S
7
8
9
10
II
12
through retail. Page 51
Branding Issues A few companies don't know exactly
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
who their customers are: many more don't know why they are. Chuck Pettis says
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the answer is a better set of questions. Page 52
baby steps toward acknowledging this mar-
about CIVII rights on the DUS insteac of the
Ore-based Wieden & Kennecy Microsoft
ke: DY featuring African-Americans in their
normal conversation She said she was
ever created 3 sales anc marketing channel
305. But Dempster goes on to point out
never more proud to be a DUS driver
in conjunction with Black Entertainment
that reaching African-Americans is not
Perhaps the most successfully gioca of
Television in january 1996 the MSBET web
quite as easy as that. The media buy also
all IT marketers. Microsoft. has been make
site MSBET. Microsof: savs. 3 collabora-
nas to be different. To wit. only one televi-
ing the most significant effort to appea to
tion that will ultimately vieic e-commerce
sion snow consistently appears on both the
the African-American community for the
Another factor that has African-
Nielsen's overall top 20 and the top 20 tele-
longest period of time Its atest campaign
American interest in IT growing in spite of
vision shows watched bv African-
features the early jackson 5 song "A-B-C"
the marketing is the continual prop
Americans "Monday Night Football."
and a pre-teen African-American gir, dis-
prices for technology-which of course is
The most impressive spot of the recent
cussing what she can do with a computer
consistent with mainstream America
crop featuring African-Americans. at least in
and Microsoft software. created by Portland.
Similarly. no matter the marketer. it seems all
terms of raw production value. may De the
commercial starring Buck Leonard. star of
Negro League baseball's Kansas City
the
Monarchs. In the spot. part of Hewlett-
Packard's "Expanding Possibilities" campaign.
P
L
A
Y
E
R
S
Leonard SITS with an 8-year-oid computer
expert who demonstrates how easy it is to
VApple Computer
the site. Future plans include e-com-
create Negro League baseball cards with HP
merce, according to Microsoft officials.
equipment (PC. scanner. printer. etc.).
Apple Computer's "Think Different" cam-
Several themes emerge during the commer-
paign, launched last year, features histori-
cial-ease-of-use of HP equipment. the
cal figures to evoke
Oracle
utility of the Internet and Leonard's
the creative, march-
The core message in Oracle's "Enabling
appeal for the preservation of the his-
to-their-own-drum-
the Information Age" campaign is that
tory of black baseball-all of which play
mer set of users that
computing needn't be high-brow, in
to African-Americans. Overall. HP per-
the company pre-
hopes of luring inner-city communities
fectly follows tactics prescribed in the
sumes to attract.
into the marketplace. The first big coup
Packaged Facts study-right down to
Among the lot are
as a result of that campaign came when
launcning the campaign on Monday
some of the most
Night Football.
inspirational figures in
ORACLE
Another set of ads acknowledging
R
the black community.
African-Americans is Appie's "Think
who also happen to
the Chicago Public Schools embraced a
Different" campaign. which utilizes three
be some of the most inspirational in his-
pure-Oracle solution for databases, citing
of the most significant icons of the
tory: Muhammed Ali, Rosa Parks and
Oracle's commitment to networked
African-American freedom struggle-
MLK. Apple has done little else, however,
computers as a reason. Although this
Muhammad Ali. Martin Luther King. Jr..
to target its message to black America.
purchase was for business software,
and Rosa Parks.
school officials say later phases will
Art director Jessica Shulman in at
Microsoft
include a system-wide installation of NCs.
Appie's agency in Venice. Calif.. TBWA
Microsoft uses a black pre-teen in a
Chiat/Day. selected the personalities. "Our
recent installment of its "Where do you
Hewlett-Packard
goal was to pay tribute to those who
The most compelling spot in HP's recent
changed the world." Shuiman says. "I
"Expanding Possibilities" TV campaign
also hoped it would empower the rest
Microsoft
features former Negro League baseball
of us to do the same thing."
star Buck Leonard. While not necessari-
Although the campaign was not nec-
ly targeted at a black audience, this cam-
essarily targeted to black audiences.
want to go today!" campaign. The com-
paign
has
Schulman saw first-hand the impact of the
pany also struck up a partnership in 1996
won approval
images on consumers of all races. "We
with Black Entertainment Television to
for HP in the
wanted to show that creativity and cre-
launch MSBET.com. The web site consists
black com-
ative people are very diverse-it's not just
of content generated under the BET
munity.
It
a middle-aged white male in a tower some-
brand-similar to the way NBC works
doesn't hurt
hp
where [who uses a Mac]." she says. "I went
with Microsoft on the MSNBC arrange-
that the cam-
out to one of the city buses with Rosa
ment. MSBET.com has proven an effective
paign
was
Parks image on it. I spoke to the driver.
ad vehicle for tech marketers looking to
launched on Monday Night Football-the
who was an African-American woman. She
reach the African-American community.
only prime-time TV show to appear both
toid me that she had been driving a bus for
Hewlett-Packard, for one, focused a
in Nielsen's overall top 20 shows and the
20 years and never had a more incredible
recent minority job recruitment effort on
top 20 viewed by African-Americans.
day. The whole time. people were talking
The toll road for
the expansion of
tance within the company. He
the most successful in that
insists. however. that this mar-
launching its Unity Visa card in 1996 with
the installed base
ket is ready for IT. "The
a goal of generating $1 billion in outstand-
response [to the idea] was great
ing credit. Teri Williams. vice president.
of computers is
from the Hollywood communi-
says the company's research showed that
cy. but it just didn't go anywhere
frequent-flier miles and other reward Dro-
inside Apple." Nickens says.
grams were not big motivators to the
the African-
"Whoever really goes after this
African-American community. Instead. the
market first will own it."
company allowed cardholders to designate
American market.
Find/SVP reports that out-
one of seven African-American charities to
side of IT. Chrysler has shown
receive one percent of every dollar charged.
what a targeted effort to
Targeting the African-American market
Anyone who
African-Americans can achieve.
now-since so few in IT are-may translate
The car maker boosted its
nto brand leadership in other markets is
share of that market from 5
well. according to Find/SVP. Marketers are
wants to cross
percent to 17 percent since
increasingly recognizing not
1990. by studying results and
only the growing importance
that bridge has to
increasing
its
African-
of the African-American mar-
American-specific ad budget 20
ket itself. but also its impor-
percent each year since 1993-
tance IS a means of speaking
pay that toll.
to roughly $23 million in 1997.
to other markets." claims the
"In 1996. Chrysler had a 17.9
Packaged Facts report. "Young
-Keith Nickens,
percent share of the African-
blacks. in particular. are trend-
American automotive market.
setters in many areas of pop
marketing consultant
up from 13.8 percent in 1994.
culture-from fashion to
and from 5 percent in 1990."
music to movies."
Find/SVP's report says.
In the world of packaged
In fact. Chrysler's current
goods. Sprite used a 1995
market penetration to African-
hip-hop commercial to
Americans is higher than its
become the nation's fastest-
campaigns appealing to African-Americans
penetration of the cotal U.S. market.
growing soft drink. In fash-
share an appeal to consumer utility, versus
Several changes made that possible. Jim
ion. clothing designer
highlighting functions and features.
Julow, Chrysler executive director of cor-
Tommy
Hilfiger
also
Tom Dorsey. senior product marketing
porate marketing, says the company's pre-
embraced the hip-hop mar-
manager for Hitachi Electronics. says. "In any
vious minority marketing campaigns
ket for Its word-of-mouth
consumer electronics market. you have to
included too many lines of the automo-
impact. Hilfiger was able to
get the price points down into the hundreds
biles. Now the company targets specific
position his entire brand in
before you get widespread adoption."
lines to specific demographic groups—
the general market through
PI
Outside his work with Hitachi. Dorsey
Neon to single. young black women:
that Joint of entry.
aiso approaches the African-American mar-
Cirrus to women with children: the
Computer makers seem to
ket as an entrepreneur. with his web site.
Chrysler LHS sedan and Jeep Grand
be taking only a bassing swing
GoWare Travel (www.goware-travel.com).
Cherokee to upscale black men and cou-
at the market. but chat's still
in his business trips, Dorsey found a need for
pies. For instance. ads targeted to upscale
an improvement. over even
information about African-American and
blacks for the Jeep describe the vehicle as
just a year ago. Catabase soft-
African restaurants. cultural sites. businesses
"like wearing jeans under a fur coat."
ware giant Oracie. for exam-
and churches. After noticing that "the whole
rather than couting off-road attributes.
Die. aunched 1 high-profile
South Side of Chicago" was omitted from a
On the flip side of Chrysler in the auto-
attempt to get the lower-to-
popular guide. he began producing maps on
motive arena. GM's Cadillac saw a drop
ower-middle classes interest-
1 city-by-city basis. "Now that we're estab-
from 29 percent to 21 percent market-
ed n network computing last
lisned. we're finding people will either buy
share in the African-American market
year with a campaign pro-
computers or get online to have access to
from 1990 to 1996. Although that mir-
duced by LA agency Think
this information." Dorsey says.
rored a downturn in the overall market.
New Ideas. Rather than focus-
Keith Nickens. president of Nickens
executives took note and have begun sup-
ng on CS corporate base.
Consulting in Hayward. Calif., developed a
plementing general market TV ads with
Oracle wondered aloud how
program to utilize entertainment personali-
direct mail to black buyers in some cities.
less fortunate youth could log
ties to go after the African-American mar-
Find/SVP also points to the financial
on to the information super-
ket while working under former CEO Gil
services industry as a model for IT to foi-
hignway. with television spots
Amelio at Apple. Alas. Nickens met resis-
low. Boston Bank of Commerce has been
aired during NFL games.
more diverse anc more tangetec
Chicago
Schools
Strategic
Nickens savs that rust can : napper soon
1013
Cracle
solution
for
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to
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consumer
market
that
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purchase
was
è
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African-Americans
and
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that
ater
and
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networked
computert
computer
installed
base
Dracle
was
adie
: C
gair
=
and
in
indeed
anyone
who
wants
:C
the
government
is
studi
is
pricge will have to pay
Primppines :: emprace the technology
nouseholds
According :: Cracle director of advertis-
So Angersor predicts as computer
ng Michelie Cassavre "We beer 2016
companies
attempt
::
move
bevonc
the
merge
Ellison's
persona
interest
geer
market
to
the
mass
consumer
their
Corposar
busines.
making
technology
available
with
advertising will need to become botr
Ema.
a:
he above ads represent the best the IT industry has to
[
to be "People are people." While that sure is a peachy statement,
offer when it comes to marketing to African-Americans
it's rather naïve. Study after study indicates that people of any race
through mass media. Not too impressive. Apple
or culture respond to messages they identify with. It appears clear
Computer, for its part, features few of the African-
that the first company to truly embrace this market will have a
erican community's most-respected heroes in its "Think
huge leg up on all other comers. Look to fashion, automotive and
erent" campaign, including Muhammed Ali, MLK and Rosa
packaged goods for evidence of this.
s. While each no doubt resonates with the black community,
Of course whenever targeting an ethnic, demographic or psy-
le did little to craft its message specifically.
chographic subset, marketers should be sensitive in every regard
ikewise with most of the rest of IT. Many others, including
and careful not to talk to people as though they're different. It's
above, feature African-Americans, but none have made great
important to talk to people in their language, and address their
es in tailoring messages. At least to some degree that's
concerns. In short, mass advertising could take a lesson from the
use while IT marketers agree that the black community repre-
direct marketers who have been doing this kind of stuff for
a significant market opportunity, the prevailing attitude seems
decades. -1. M. O'Brien
$80,000 a year at 15: It's possible on line
(NNPA) The resume had
a young per-
like Washing-
from African Americans. Its
all the right buzzwords - web
son not to
DOWN TO BUSINESS
ton,
D.C.'s
recruitment service, JobCAFE
development, database man-
begin look-
Byte
Back,
[email protected], is look-
agement, start-up background
ing at tech-
By John Williams Templeton
which trains
ing for resumes with such skill
- and one thing that really
nology at a
short-order
sets as Oracle DBA develop-
stood out the sender was a
very early
cooks and other
ers, web developers, CTI (com-
college freshman who had al-
age.
low-skilled
puter telephony integration),
ready been working in high
A group of technical
popular use by connecting
workers to become network ad-
DSL (digital subscriber line)
technology for four years.
standouts is embarking on a
65,000 processors.
ministrators and data base ad-
technician. You may have
Now, he was applying for
Programming Pioneers tour to
And young people are
ministrators, or Community
picked up such skills through
an $80,000 job. It could hap-
raise the profile of African-
equally surprised to know that
Computing Center in San Fran-
on-the-job training at a fairly
pen to you as well.
Americans already in the field
a Harlem native named John
cisco, which works with wel-
low paying job such as a gov-
The speed of technological
in hopes of inspiring even more
"JT" Thompson created the
fare to work clients to train
ernment agency or health care
advance has been accompanied
Black technolo-
them as computer
institution. You can use the
by a decline in how long it
gists. During the
technicians, dem-
Internet to find out what you
takes to get up to speed.
year
2000,
Already, high technology is the larg-
onstrate that any-
are really worth.
Your nearest university
600,000 high
one can pick up
Now that the Y2K problem
probably has a six-month ex-
technology jobs
est occupational category among Af-
these skills.
appears past, the real Year
tension course that certifies the
will be filled, ac-
rican-Americans, with 500,000 engi-
Make sure you
2000 problem for blacks is the
student as a software profes-
cording to indus-
pick the right
dates that computers will re-
sional who can immediately
try analysts. By
neers, systems analysts, program-
field. A mere
member. Those dates include
command a $50,000 salary.
the year 2005,
If you've been in the mili-
mers, technicians and operators. So,
word processing
the cutoff dates for assistance
that number will
class doesn't
programs, public housing and
tary, you may have already
rise to 1.2 mil-
you have no reason as a young per-
make you com-
other benefits targeted by the
completed some of the more
lion.
popular application certifica-
son not to begin looking at technology
petitive.
welfare reform movement.
When stu-
If you are in-
If your time is short and your
tions like Microsoft, Novell,
dents see some-
at a very early age.
volved in a job
future is long, then you' ve got
Oracle or Cisco. You can
one like Dr.
training program
time to get in the fastest grow-
even complete the networking
Philip
such as welfare-
ing fields of the new
certification at many high
Emeagwali, "the Bill Gates of
scripting language Lingo,
to-work, rehabilitation or vet-
millenium. Lots of people
schools around the country.
Africa" in person or through
which drives the majority of
erans, insist that you get funded
just like you are doing just
Already, high technology is
his web site, http://
the interactive video games and
for certification training that
fine.
the largest occupational cat-
www.emeagwali.com, they get
web sites. Thompson started
puts you in the highest demand.
John William Templeton is
egory among African-Ameri-
envigorated about the possi-
his programming career while
The Coalition for Fair Em-
executive editor of Griot, the
cans, with 500,000 engineers,
bilities for their own lives.
still in high school in New
ployment in Silicon Valley has
African-American, African
systems analysts, program-
Emeagwali programmed the
York.
worked to insure that the most
and Caribbean business daily
mers, technicians and opera-
fastest computation ever even
The pace of change is not
lucrative jobs at fast-growing
at http://www.blackmoney.
tors. So, you have no reason as
before the Internet came into
only for the young. Programs
high tech firms are not shut out
com
The Grand Ropids There
PEER
REVIEW
CASEBOOK NO.28
Ignoring a $447 billion market: African-
Americans. By John Templeton
When Lynn Lanning, an account
computers as on TVs.
work searching out computers for pur.
executive at Syracuse-based discount
While there's little question that a
chase. because PC manufacturers have
Apple Computer reseller Applied
TV is a fraction of the price of a com-
ignored the black community
Technical Systems. pushed her employ-
puter. the statistic is impressive
Hollingsworth traveled to Silicon Valley
er to do a promotion last year cele-
nonetheless. Yet unlike their counter-
in October for a series of meetings
brating "Juneteenth"-an African-
parts in other top industries. comput-
with major IT companies to bring more
American holiday celebrating the
er marketers have done
Emancipation Proclamation-the com-
little to target African-
pany didn't have great expectations.
Americans as a group.
But the community rallied around
They have even ignored
the project. creating a buzz hard to
the most rudimentary
match. "She had all the schools distrib-
tactics. For example. on
ute flyers [advertising special deals] and
his talk show, comedian
arranged for financing of computer pur-
Sinbad sports a note-
chases by a local bank." says sales direc-
book computer on his
tor Sarah Newman. "It was amazing: we
desk. A product place-
didn't have to sell or anything. People
ment. the likes of what
just lined up and said. 'Where do I sign?'
Gateway 2000 does on
We sold 100 CPUs. and practically all
"ER." should be a no-
Apple's use of MLK in "Think Different" has res-
the credit applications went through.
brainer. After all. it's not
onated in the African-American community.
Although many of the applicants were
like Sinbad is above product endorse-
awareness to their market.
single black mothers. [many] were
ment (see Polaroid.)
Of course she has a vested profes-
making between $40.000 and $80.000
The failure to treat blacks as a
sional interest in saying PC manufac-
and had spotless credit."
potential market suggests an underlying
turers have to do more to target the
Applied Technical
attitude in IT that says. "We don't see
black community. but Hollingswor
ABSTRACT
Systems chanced upon
color, we only see people." Steve Jobs.
has research to back the claim up.
a fact that much of IT
interim CEO at Apple. has said it pub-
According to "The African-American
has ignored. According
licly. Intel. too. "We have a broad target
Market." a Packaged Facts market
Tech marketers commonly
to recent estimates.
market. We try to reach everyone who
study released by New York-based
African-American
is thinking about buying a PC. African-
Find/SVP in late 1997. overall black
answer the question "What do
spending on computer
Americans are definitely part of that
purchasing power in the U.S. jumped
hardware and soft-
group. But we've not done anything spe-
47 percent between 1990 and 1996 to
you do to target ethnic groups?"
ware jumped from
cial to target our ads toward them."
$447 billion. This statistic represents
$800 million in 1995
says Shawn Conly. interactive advertis-
faster growth by percentage than the
with "We don't see colors. we
to approximately $1
ing manager. "That's why we are adver-
corresponding national figure. The first
billion in 1997. accord-
tising on the Super Bowl. because it
rule of marketing to African-Americans
see people." While that's
ing to a study released
reaches so many people so broadly. We
is understanding the need to market
by Target Market News.
want a wide buy."
directly." says Find/SVP official Scott
delightful. it's also rather tragic.
a
Chicago-based
Yet the black community will often
Dempster. quoting from the Packaged
newsletter. That publi-
not respond to generic messaging. Gale
Facts study. "To that end. if blacks do
Most ethnic groups perceive
cation also notes that
Hollingsworth. western regional sales
not see themselves pictured- in store-
blacks began spending
manager for Black Enterprise. a 300.000-
fronts. in staffing. in management-they
themselves differently and so
more on computers
circulation magazine, has been hoping
will not feel that marketing efforts are
than televisions for the
to show up on the radar screens of PC
geared toward them."
respond to different messaging.
first time in 1995-and
manufacturers for a decade. She and
Several new ad campaigns
that they now spend
other African-Americans feel they have
launched in Q4 of 1997 may indicate
specially African-Americans.
twice as much on
had to do a disproportionate amount of
that the PC industry is at least taking
122
03/06/00 20:08 FAX
5
001
Melissa - foR Gave
AT&T's Potential Announcement
PRIVATE
New Markets Initiative Tour
Week of April 9, 2000
Miami, Floi ida
Annc unce the four-year $1.2 million grant to create the Academy of Information
Tech vlogy, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the information technology
indus ry developed by the National Academy Foundation and the Center for
Occu pational Research and Development.
Host 1 Leadership Conversation for the Next America to engage high school students and
polic makers in a dialogue about economic opportunities, education, job skills and
leade ship for the 21" century.
Ident fy other grants in Miami that could be packaged
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Anno ince the four-year $1.2 million grant to create the Academy of Information
Tech ology, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the information technology
indus ry developed by the National Academy Foundation and the Center for
Occu national Research and Development.
Laun h the roll-out of the "Online Professional Development Institute" for teacher
traini ig developed by the Education Development Center, a component of the
Techi ology Leadership Program announced at the Digital Divide Summit. Identify a
schoc I where AT&T has connected our high-speed, fiber-optic cable service, and engage
comn unity-based organizations on a 'local' announcement of the initiative.
Host I Leadership Conversation for the Next America to engage high school students and
policy makers in A dialogue about economic opportunities, education, job skills and
leader ship for the 21st century.
Oakland, C lifornia
Anno ince the four-year $1.2 million grant to create the Academy of Information
Tech plogy, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the information technology
indus ry developed by the National Academy Foundation and the Center for
Occur ational Research and Development.
Laune b the roll-out of the "Online Professional Development Institute" for teacher
trainis 8 developed by the Education Development Center, a component of the
Techr ology Leadership Program announced at the Digital Divide Summit. Work with
comm unity-based organizations on a 'local' announcement of the initiative.
Host 1 Leadership Conversation for the Next America to engage high school students and
policy makers in a dialogue about economic opportunities, education, job skills and
leader ship for the 21st century.
Identi y opportunity to work with Barry Bond's Link to Learn initiative
PRIVATE
03/06/00 20:08 FAX
1
002
Rio Grand Valley, Texas
Ann unce the four-year $1.2 million grant to create the Academy of Information
Tech rology, a high-school curriculum to prepare students for the information technology
indu try developed by the National Academy Foundation and the Center for
Occr pational Research and Development. CORD's headquarters and a pilot 'laboratory'
scho 1 for the Academy are in Waco.
Laur ch the roll-out of the "Online Professional Development Institute" for teacher
train ng developed by the Education Development Center, a component of the
Tech hology Leadership Program announced at the Digital Divide Summit. Work with
the ( enter for Occupational Research and Development to launch a teacher training
prog am at their pilot school for the Academy of Information Technology as the 'local'
anno incement of the initiative.
Host a Leadership Conversation for the Next America to engage high school students and
polic /makers in 8 dialogue about economic opportunities, education, job skills and
leade ship for the 21th century.
Ident fy other grants in Texas that could be packaged
PRIVATE
Thomas A. Kalil
03/01/2000 01:15:22 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Melissa G. Green/OPD/EOP@EOP
CC:
Subject: Industry: (NYT) Gates Foundation Gives $350 Million to Education Programs Over the Next 3 Years
Original Message
From: Library News Service
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2000 11:39 AM
To: Daily Newswire Subscribers
Subject: Industry: (NYT) Gates Foundation Gives $350 Million to Education
Programs Over the Next 3 Years
Summary: The bulk of the money is expected to go to public schools to help
teachers enroll in training programs on integrating high technology with the
classroom and to assist individual schools and school districts
experimenting with new approaches to learning.
Gates Foundation Gives $350 Million to Education Programs Over the Next 3
Years
by Sam Howe Verhovek
The New York Times
03/01/2000
SEATTLE-The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will spend $350 million over
the next three years on education programs, foundation officials said today.
The initiative would start mostly with grants in Washington, the couple's
home state, the officials said, but would eventually spread across the
country.
The bulk of the money is expected to go to public schools to help teachers
enroll in training programs on integrating high technology with the
classroom and to assist individual schools and school districts
experimenting with new approaches to learning. The grants were to be
formally announced to Washington state educators on Wednesday.
The money represents a significant infusion of cash for the state, where
roughly $6 billion a year is spent on public education. The grants would
initially be made to about 140 schools and at least 10 school districts
across Washington.
The foundation's assets have soared in recent years to about $21 billion due
to gifts from the Microsoft Corporation chief executive and his wife, and it
is now the wealthiest philanthropic foundation in the world.
The grants follow large pledges by the foundation to international vaccine
programs, scholarships for minority students and programs to bring computers
and Internet access to schools and libraries in poor communities around the
nation.
While details were still being worked out, the money would be divided into
four areas, foundation officials said.
Grants totaling $100 million would be available "to ensure that
administrators across the nation have access to quality leadership
development, focusing on improving student learning through technology," the
foundation said.
Another $70 million would be available for teacher training, with about $45
million going to about 1,000 teachers in Washington state in each of the
next three years.
Grants totaling $30 million would be available for schools.
The remaining $150 million would be spent on about 30 school districts,
beginning with 10 in Washington State.
The Gates gift is one in a series of high-profile donations to public
education by private philanthropies and individuals, many with an emphasis
on training programs. Other examples are the more than $700 million
committed to public schools in recent years by the Annenberg Foundation, and
a $100 million gift for training superintendents, principals and teachers in
urban school systems made last year by Eli Broad, chairman of Sun America, a
financial services company based in Los Angeles.
In 1998, the Albertson Foundation, a charitable trust in Boise, Idaho, whose
assets come from a supermarket fortune, announced a three-year pledge of
$110 million in grants to public schools in Idaho. While dwarfed in size by
other national grants, it was described as the largest per-school commitment
ever -- about $176,000 for every one of the state's public schools.
THE ABOVE MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND SHOULD NOT BE REPRODUCED OR
DISTRIBUTED OUTSIDE OF MICROSOFT.
- att1.htm
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Leadership and Executive Committee
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/bios.htm
BILL# MELINDA
About Us
Press Room
Site Map
GATES foundasion
pace
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Leadership and
Executive Committee
GLOBAL HEALTH
Founders
Bill Gates, III and Melinda Gates
LEARNING
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Co-Chairs
ABOUT US
William H. Gates, Sr. and Patty Stonesifer
Leadership and Staff
Executive Committee
Grant Inquiries
Richard Akeroyd, Executive Director, Libraries and Public Access
Employment/Internships
to Information
Contact Us
Narrative Gallery
Jack Faris, Ph.D., Director of Community Strategies
Special Projects
Allan C. Golston, CPA, Chief Financial and Administrative
Grants
Officer
Terrence Meersman, Director, Finance and Administration
Gordon W. Perkin, M.D., Director, Global Health Program
Tom Vander Ark, Executive Director, Education
Melinda French Gates
Co-founder Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Melinda French Gates is involved in a variety of philanthropic
endeavors that support the arts, social services, and education,
including her position as a trustee of Duke University, her alma
mater. She serves on the Parent-Teacher Technology Committee
for Sacred Heart Catholic School in Bellevue, Washington, and is a
past board member at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington.
Gates also devotes her time to managing the grantmaking of the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which was founded in 1994 to
support initiatives in global health and learning.
Gates earned a bachelor's degree in computer science and
economics from Duke in 1986 and a master's degree from Duke's
Fuqua School of Business in 1987. Upon graduation, she joined
Microsoft where she played a leadership role in the development of
many of the company's multimedia and Web-based products. Two
years after she married Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, she retired
to care for their young children and to contribute her organizational
talents and leadership to the community.
William (Bill) H. Gates, III
Co-founder Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Bill Gates is chairman of Microsoft Corporation. While at Harvard,
he developed the programming language BASIC for the first
microcomputer - the MITS Altair. In 1975, Gates launched
Microsoft with Paul Allen to develop software for personal
computers. He is actively involved in key management and
strategic decisions at Microsoft, and plays an important role in the
technical development of new products. Gates has also co-authored
the New York Times bestseller The Road Ahead and the recently
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http://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/bios.htm
issued Business @ the Speed of Thought. Proceeds from both
books have been directed toward non-profits serving young people.
William H. Gates, Sr.
Co-chair Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Bill Gates, Sr. brings a distinguished career in law and many years
of public service to his role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation.
Bill earned his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of
Washington, following three years of U.S. Army service in World
War II. He became a partner in the law firm of Shidler McBroom
Gates & Lucas in 1964, guiding it through growth and mergers that
would eventually establish Preston Gates & Ellis, one of Seattle's
leading law firms.
A successful and prominent attorney, Bill has served as president
of both the Seattle/King County Bar Association and the
Washington State Bar Association. His many other leadership
positions include past chairmanship of the Washington Courts
2000 Committee and the American Bar Association Commission
on Public Understanding About the Law. His awards and honors
include the 1992 American Judicature Society Herbert Harley
Award and being named a 1991 University of Washington Law
School Distinguished Alumnus.
Bill has served as trustee, officer and volunteer for more than two
dozen Northwest organizations, including the Greater Seattle
Chamber of Commerce and King County United Way. In 1995, he
founded the Technology Alliance, a cooperative regional effort to
expand technology-based employment in Washington. He also has
been a strong advocate for education for many years, chairing the
Seattle Public School Levy Campaign in 1971 and serving as a
member of the University of Washington's Board of Regents since
1997.
Bill and his late wife, Mary Maxwell Gates, raised three children:
Kristianne, Bill and Libby. Now married to Mimi Gardner Gates,
Bill continues to lend his vision and skill to many civic programs,
cultural organizations and business initiatives.
Patty Stonesifer
Co-chair and President Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Patty Stonesifer, co-chair and president of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation, helps lead the group's mission to improve
access to advances in global health and learning for all people as
we move into the 21st century. In addition to her responsibilities
with the Foundation, Stonesifer is an active community volunteer,
donating both time and resources to a number of regional
non-profit organizations including the YWCA of King County and
the Seattle Foundation. She also is on the board of Alaska Air
Group, Inc., Amazon.com, Kinko's Inc. and CBS Corporation.
Prior to being asked by Bill and Melinda Gates to launch the work
of the Foundation, Stonesifer held a senior vice president position
at Microsoft and ran her own management consulting firm,
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working with such corporations as Dream Works SKG.
Executive Committee
Richard Akeroyd
Director, Libraries and Public Access to Information
Richard Akeroyd joined the Gates Learning Foundation in
December 1997, having spent 25 years working with public
libraries in a variety of roles. Most recently, he served 11 years as
Connecticut State Librarian, responsible for statewide library
operations and policy implementation. Akeroyd has held
leadership positions at the Denver Public Library and was program
and planning consultant to the White House Conference on Library
and Information Services. He began his career at the University of
Connecticut Library, with additional service at the Manchester
Public and Connecticut State Libraries.
Akeroyd holds a master's degree in library science from the
University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's degree from the
University of Connecticut. He also studied at the University of
Connecticut, focusing on advanced coursework in educational
media and instructional technology. He is a long-time member of a
number of professional associations, including the American
Library Association, the American Society for Information Science
and the Coalition for Networked Information.
Jack Faris, Ph.D
Director of Community Strategies
Jack Faris coordinates communications and helps guide the
strategic direction for the Foundation. With a Ph.D. in sociology
from the University of Chicago, Faris has more than 23 years' of
experience in communications and community relations. Among
his community activities, his role as immediate past president of
the Seattle Public Library Foundation stands out. Professionally,
Faris most recently acted as executive vice president and general
manager at Cole & Weber where he provided strategic direction to
clients such as Boeing and Safeco, while sharing management
responsibilities with the president. Faris serves on the boards of the
Alliance for Education, Urban Enterprise Center, the Seattle Center
Foundation and others.
Allan C. Golston, CPA
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Golston joined the Foundation in January 2000 and oversees MIS,
finance, facilities, human resources, and security. His professional
background includes non-profit healthcare, software development,
consulting, education, and public accounting. Golston serves as a
trustee for Artist Trust and Make-A-Wish Foundation Serving
Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Northern Idaho. He is an
alumnus of INROADS Denver and is a fellow of the
British-American Project. Golston earned his MBA from Seattle
University and his bachelor's degree from the University of
Colorado.
Terry Meersman
Director, Finance and Administration
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Meersman brings 22 years of program and management experience
with several non-profit organizations including Save the Children
Federation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and World Learning. While
at Save the Children, Meersman held several positions including
director of refugee programs, executive vice president/chief
operating officer and served as acting president during a change in
organizational leadership. As venture fund officer for Pew
Charitable Trusts, Meersman helped restructure a major
grantmaking program in population and environment, and designed
a new grantmaking strategy for a program designed to transform
young adults into active global citizens. Meersman served as
Director of Policy Analysis for the Seattle City Council, directing
the 12-member policy group that developed policy
recommendations for council members on issues affecting citizens.
Meersman joined the foundation in October 1998 and served as the
first head of finance and administration during the start up phase.
He now directs grants administration and serves as senior program
officer for the co-chairs of the Foundation.
Gordon Perkin, M.D.
Director, Global Health Program
Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Perkin served to his work as
president of the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
(PATH), an international, non-profit dedicated to improving
health, especially of women and children. As a physician with
more than 35 years of experience in international health and family
planning, Perkin also spent 14 years with the Ford Foundation,
where he worked as program officer in a variety of international
health and population projects. He served as a long-term consultant
to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the design and
research strategy of the Special Programme in Human
Reproduction and has consulted with several other WHO
programs. He served as a member of the Committee on
Contraceptive Development of the National Academy of Sciences
and as a board member of the Planned Parenthood Federation of
America, the Alan Guttmacher Institute and the National Council
for International Health.
Tom Vander Ark
Executive Director, Education
Tom Vander Ark is responsible for the Foundation's elementary
and secondary education programs and for higher education
scholarships. Prior to joining the Foundation he was a public
school superintendent in Federal Way, Washington. With a
wide-ranging business background, Tom was one of the first
business executives recruited to run a public school district.
Vander Ark has been actively involved in civic and educational
causes including United Way, Boys and Girls Club, and Boy
Scouts, and he is a member of numerous national educational
associations.
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3/1/2000 1:16 PM
WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON
COMMITTEES:
SECOND DISTRICT, LOUISIANA
WAYS AND MEANS
SUBCOMMITTEES:
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
TRADE
240 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1802
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HUMAN RESOURCES
(202) 225-6636
DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
POLICY COMMITTEE
LIONEL R. COLLINS, JR.
CHIEF OF STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1802
WHIP AT-LARGE
DISTRICT OFFICE:
1012 HALE BOGGS FEDERAL BUILDING
501 MAGAZINE STREET
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130
(504) 589-2274
February 23, 2000
Mr. Gene Sperling
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
& Director, National Economic Council
The White House
Second, Floor, West Wing
Washington, D.C. 20502
Dear Mr. Sperling:
I commend the President for including $2 billion worth of tax incentives in his budget to
bridge the digital divide. I share his commitment to eliminate the technology gap between
mainstream and poor and rural communities and am working to make this goal a reality.
Please find enclosed a discussion draft of the "Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2000,"
tax legislation I am introducing to spur private sector initiatives to eliminate the technology gap.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Specifically, the legislation will (1) extend and expand the super charitable deduction allowed
to technology manufacturers and wholesaler, under Tax Code section 170(e)(6), to technology
donations made to libraries, training centers and non profits that provide computer technology to poor
families; (2) provide a credit equal to 10 percent of the allowable charitable deduction for computer
technology and training donations; and (3) provide a refundable credit equal to 50 percent or $1000 for
computer purchases by low income individuals.
I plan to introduce the legislation the week of March 6, 2000 at a news conference.
Hopefully, this legislation comports with the President's digital divide initiative and you can join
me at the news conference to promote the legislation. Please contact me or my Tax Counsel, David
Morgan, at 202 225-6636 if there are any questions.
Enclosure
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.008
H.L.C.
[DISCUSSION DRAFT]
FEBRUARY 16, 2000
106TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H.R.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. JEFFERSON introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on
A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend
and expand the enhanced deduction for charitable con-
tributions of computers to provide greater public access
to computers, including access by the poor.
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
4
This Act may be cited as the "Digital Divide Elimi-
5 nation Act of 2000".
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
2
1 SEC. 2. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF ENHANCED DEDUC-
2
TION FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF
3
COMPUTERS.
4
(a) EXTENSION.-Subparagraph (F) of section
5 170(e) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating
6 to special rule for contributions of computer technology
7 and equipment for elementary or secondary school pur-
8 poses) is amended by striking "December 31, 2000" and
9 inserting "December 31, 2005".
10
(b) EXPANSION.-
11
(1) IN GENERAL.-Paragraph (6) of section
12
170(e) of such Code is amended by redesignating
13
subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F) as subpara-
14
graphs (D), (E), (F), and (G), respectively, and by
15
striking all that precedes subparagraph (D) (as SO
16
redesignated) and inserting the following:
17
(6) SPECIAL RULE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF
18
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT.-
19
(A) LIMIT ON REDUCTION.-In the case
20
of a qualified computer contribution, the reduc-
21
tion under paragraph (1) (A) shall be no greater
22
than the amount determined under paragraph
23
(3) (B).
24
'(B) QUALIFIED COMPUTER CONTRIBU-
25
TION.-For purposes of this paragraph, the
26
term 'qualified computer contribution means a
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
3
1
charitable contribution by a corporation of any
2
computer technology or equipment, but only
3
if-
4
(i) the contribution is to a qualified
5
organization,
6
'(ii) the contribution is made not
7
later than 2 years after the date the tax-
8
payer acquired the property (or in the case
9
of property constructed by the taxpayer,
10
the date the construction of the property is
11
substantially completed),
12
"(iii) the original use of the property
13
is by the donor or the donee,
14
(iv) substantially all of the use of the
15
property by the donee is for use within the
16
United States and, in the case of a quali-
17
fied educational organization, for edu-
18
cational purposes in any of the grades K-
19
12 that are related to the purpose or func-
20
tion of the organization,
21
(v) the property is not transferred by
22
the donee in exchange for money, other
23
property, or services, except for shipping,
24
installation and transfer costs,
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
4
1
'(vi) in the case of a qualified edu-
2
cational organization, the property will fit
3
productively into the entity's education
4
plan, and
5
'(vii) the entity's use and disposition
6
of the property will be in accordance with
7
the provisions of clauses (iv) and (v).
8
(C) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION.-For
9
purposes of this paragraph-
10
"(i) IN GENERAL.- — The term 'quali-
11
fied organization' means-
12
(I) any qualified educational or-
13
ganization,
14
(II) any public library located in
15
an area which is an empowerment
16
zone, enterprise community, or a
17
high-poverty area (as determined by
18
the Secretary),
19
(III) any technology center lo-
20
cated in such an area, and
21
(IV) any entity described in sec-
22
tion 501 (c) (3) and exempt from tax
23
under section 501 (a) that is organized
24
primarily for purposes of providing
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
5
1
computers without charge to lower in-
2
come families.
3
"(ii) QUALIFIED EDUCATIONAL ORGA-
4
NIZATION. - For purposes of clause (i), the
5
term 'qualified educational organization'
6
means-
7
(I) an educational organization
8
described in subsection (b) (1) (A) (ii),
9
and
10
(II) an entity described in sec-
11
tion 501 (c) (3) and exempt from tax
12
under section 501 (a) (other than an
13
entity described in subclause (I)) that
14
is organized primarily for purposes of
15
supporting elementary and secondary
16
education."
17
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.-Subparagraph
18
(D) of section 170(e) (6) of such Code, as redesig-
19
nated by paragraph (1), is amended by striking
20
"qualified elementary or secondary educational con-
21
tribution" and inserting "qualified computer con-
22
tribution".
23
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments made by
24 this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after
25 the date of the enactment of this Act.
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
6
1 SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF
2
COMPUTERS AND FOR TRAINING AND TECH-
3
NICAL ASSISTANCE RELATED THERETO.
4
(a) IN GENERAL.-Subpart B of part IV of sub-
5 chapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
6 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
7 section:
8 "SEC. 30B. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN CHARITABLE CONTRIBU-
9
TIONS OF COMPUTERS AND FOR TRAINING
10
AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RELATED
11
THERETO.
12
"(a) GENERAL RULE.-There shall be allowed as a
13 credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the tax-
14 able year an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount
15 allowed to the taxpayer as a deduction under section 170
16 for the taxable year-
17
'(1) for qualified computer contributions, and
18
(2) for qualified training and technical assist-
19
ance contributions.
20
"(b) QUALIFIED COMPUTER CONTRIBUTIONS.-For
21 purposes of this section, the term 'qualified computer con-
22 tributions' has the meaning given to such term by section
23 170(e) (6); except that for purposes of this section-
24
"(1) the limitation that the contributions be
25
made by a corporation shall not apply, and
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
7
1
"(2) such term shall not include contributions
2
of computer software (as defined by section
3
197 (e) (3) (B)).
4
"(c) QUALIFIED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSIST-
5 ANCE CONTRIBUTIONS.-For purposes of this section, the
6 term 'qualified training and technical assistance contribu-
7 tions' means the amount allowed as deduction under sec-
8 tion 170 for contributions of training and technical assist-
9 ance provided to any qualified organization (as defined in
10 section 170(e) (6) (C)) to assist such organization in the
11 operation and management of computer technology or
12 equipment (as defined in section 170(e) (6) (F)) of such or-
13 ganization.
14
"(d) LIMITATION BASED ON LIABILITY FOR TAX.-
15 The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any taxable year
16 shall not exceed the excess (if any) of-
17
"(1) the sum of the regular tax liability (as de-
18
fined in section 26(b) plus the tax imposed by sec-
19
tion 55, over
20
(2) the sum of the credits allowable under this
21
part IV (other than this section, section 1397E, and
22
subpart C).
23
"(e) TREATMENT OF CARRYOVERS OF EXCESS CON-
24 TRIBUTIONS.-If any amount is carried under section
25 170(d) to a succeeding taxable year, such amount shall
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
8
1 be treated as attributable to qualified contributions (as SO
2 defined) only to the extent that such contributions exceed
3 the limitation under section 170(b)."
4
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.-The table of sections
5 for subpart of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of
6 such Code is amended by adding at the end thereof the
7 following new item:
"Sec. 30B. Credit for certain charitable contributions of com-
puters.'
8
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments made by
9 this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after
10 the date of the enactment of this Act.
11 SEC. 4. CREDIT FOR PURCHASE OF COMPUTERS BY LOW-
12
INCOME INDIVIDUALS.
13
(a) IN GENERAL.-Subpart C of part IV of sub-
14 chapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
15 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by redes-
16 ignating section 35 as section 36 and by inserting after
17 section 34 the following new section:
18 "SEC. 35. PURCHASE OF COMPUTERS BY LOW-INCOME INDI-
19
VIDUALS.
20
"(a) IN GENERAL.-In the case of an eligible indi-
21 vidual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax
22 imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount
23 equal to 50 percent of the amount paid by the taxpayer
24 for qualified computer technology or equipment.
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
9
1
'(b) DOLLAR LIMITATION.- - The credit allowed by
2 subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed
3 $1,000.
4
"(c) DEFINITIONS.- For purposes of this section-
5
'(1) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL.-The term eligible
6
individual' means any taxpayer who is allowed a
7
credit under section 32 (relating to earned income
8
credit) for the taxable year.
9
(2) QUALIFIED COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY OR
10
EQUIPMENT.-
11
(A) IN GENERAL.-Except as provided in
12
subparagraph (B), the term 'qualified computer
13
technology or equipment' means any computer
14
technology or equipment (as defined in section
15
170(e) (6)) acquired by purchase (as defined in
16
section 170(d)(2)).
17
(B) EXCEPTIONS.-
18
"(i)
CERTAIN
SOFTWARE
EX-
19
CLUDED.-Such term shall not include
20
game software or any other software which
21
is not necessary for-
22
'(I) use of the computer for ac-
23
cess and use of the Internet (including
24
email), or
25
(II) business or educational use.
F:\M6\JEFFER\JEFFER.010
H.L.C.
10
1
"(ii) COMPUTER MUST BE CAPABLE
2
OF INTERNET ACCESS.-Such term shall
3
not include any computer which does not
4
have a modem or other equipment capable
5
of supporting Internet access."
6
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.-
7
(1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title
8
31, United States Code, is amended by inserting be-
9
fore the period " or from section 35 of such Code".
10
(2) The table of sections for subpart C of part
11
IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is
12
amended by striking the last item and inserting the
13
following new items:
"Sec. 35. Purchase of computers by low-income individuals.
"Sec. 36. Overpayments of tax."
14
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments made by
15 this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after
16 the date of the enactment of this Act.
Mickey Ibarra
03/02/2000 04:52:29 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Maria Echaveste/WHO/EOP@EOP, Ray Martinez/WHO/EOP@EOP, Terry Edmonds/WHO/EOP@EOP,
Gene B. Sperling/OPD/EOP@EOP
CC:
Melissa G. Green/OPD/EOP@EOP, Seth J. Applebaum/WHO/EOP@EOP, Todd A.
Bledsoe/WHO/EOP@EOP
Subject: Gov. Angus King/Digital Divide Initiative
Gov. King of Maine called me to let me know of a VERY exciting annoncement he just made regarding the
digital divide. Maine will take 50 million from their state budget surplus, add 15 million dollars from private
sources for the establishment of a 65 million dollar Trust Fund to provide free lap tops and internet
service. Fund will then purchase a new lap top for EVERY 7th grader in Maine now and for every future
7th grader in Maine. They will also provide free internet connection at home. The Governor has faxed me
paper on this that I will distribute to you by hard copy now. The Governor asked that we inform the
President of this Initiative for possible inclusion in his remarks tomorrow at the Aspen Institute.
THE white HOUSE
WASHINGTON
3-2-00
Colleagues -
I spoke to gov. king
today about this
terrific dig. tal divide
initiative He
asked that we
consider mentioning
it in The remarks
of the President on
FRidam. Mickey
Boston Globe Online / Metro I Regi.. to give all 7th-graders computtp://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/..e_all_7th_graders_computers+shtml
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Everything was new! wild! exciting!
The Boston Globe
boston.com
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Daily
9-5-5-1
Maine's King seeks to give all 7th-graders
(Wednesday)
Mass Millions
computers
2-5-28-36-42-43
Bonus: 4 (Monday)
Megabucks
By Kate Zernike, Globe Staff, 3/2/2000
4-11-29-32-35-41
(Wednesday)
Mass Cash
M
aine Governor Angus King, trying to bridge the "digital divide" in
one of the nation's poorest states, will today propose giving all
11-17-21-30-33
students in the seventh grade laptop computers to keep as their own.
(Tuesday)
King's proposal, the first of its kind in the nation, would provide
COLUMNS
laptops and Internet service to 16,000 seventh-graders beginning in fall
Brian McGrory
Eileen McNamara
2001, and to all seventh-graders in the years following, SO that within
Brian C. Mooney
six years, every student in the seventh grade and up will have a
Adrian Walker
computer.
Consumer Beat
The proposal also calls for paying half the cost of new computers for
LessonPlan
On Politics
teachers above the sixth grade, with districts paying the other half.
The Spiritual Life
Starts & Stops
The ambitious plan reflects a world in which computers are no longer
Peaks & Valleys
seen as just an accessory, but as a necessity. A month ago, Ford Motor
Co. said it would give its 350,000 employees desktop computers,
RELATED FEATURES
printers, and Internet access for $5 a month. Some individual school
Latest regional news
districts are providing students with computers. And increasingly,
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colleges require students to bring a computer along with their other
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dorm furnishings.
YELLOW PAGES
Such mass distribution of computers is not without critics, who
Alphabetical listings,
question whether students will use the technology for anything more
courtesy Boston.com's
than sending e-mail to classmates. Anticipating the criticism, King's
Yellow Pages Directory
plan also includes $1 million to train teachers in how to tie technology
City Courts
to the learning of the state's new academic standards, which are
City Offices
Correctional
measured by a statewide test.
Institutions
County Courts
"If we don't do this, someone else is going to, and why not Maine?"
County Offices
said Dennis Bailey, the governor's press secretary. "We can really
Fire Departments
Police Departments
leapfrog into the forefront of computer literacy with this, and the
Post Offices
governor's convinced that that's where everything's going. It doesn't
Public Health
matter what field you're going to go into today, if you're not computer-
1 of 3
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Programs
and Internet-literate, you're going to be left behind."
Public Libraries
Social and Human
Services
Those left behind tend to be those in poorer rural and urban areas. A
State Offices
US Commerce Department study in July found that households with
Transportation
incomes above $75,000 are 20 times as likely to have computers as
Programs
those with lower incomes.
Sections
And Maine lags behind many states in classroom technology.
According to the state's department of education, there are 1.8
PAGE ONE
Internet-ready computers for each seventh-grade class, and 10.3 for
NATION I WORLD
each high school class.
METRO I REGION
BUSINESS
Those computers tend to be in labs. King's plan, administration sources
SPORTS
said, is to make them a more integral part of learning - not just
LIVING I ARTS
something down the hall, but in the backpack, at home, and in class.
EDITORIALS I OP-ED
Ideally, aides to the governor said, teachers would put homework on
Weekly
Web sites and integrate Internet research into classroom projects. From
Health I Science (Tues.)
home, students could log on and ask their teachers or peers questions
Food (Wed.)
about their homework. As part of the Internet service, students will
Calendar (Thu.)
have access to the Maine School Libraries Network - which,
At Home (Thu.)
administration sources note, filters out pornographic Web sites.
Picture This (Fri.)
Sunday
The governor would set up a $75 million trust fund that would generate
Automotive
income to pay for the computers, using $25 million in private and
Focus
federal money and $50 million from the state's estimated $300 million
Learning
surplus.
Magazine
New England
Real Estate
"If we don't do this now, we may not have this opportunity again,"
Travel
Bailey said.
City Weekly
South Weekly
The King administration admits there are details to be worked out, and
West Weekly
North Weekly
a significant hurdle to jump in a Legislature with its own ideas on how
NorthWest Weekly
to spend the surplus.
NH Weekly
One question is what kind of computers the plan will buy. The plan
Features
aims to give every student e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet
Archives
Book Reviews
capability, but officials say that might mean newer technology that
Columns
pairs Palm Pilot-size screens with keyboards, or more common laptops.
Comics
The administration is predicting each computer will cost $500, which
Crossword
even their technology consultants admit is low for laptops. But through
Horoscopes
the consultants, the state has talked to IBM, Compaq, and Hewlett
Death Notices
Lottery
Packard about getting computers within that budget.
Movie Reviews
Music Reviews
"Based on where technology is trending right now and where prices are
Obituaries
trending, they think it is going to be feasible to do what the state wants
Special Reports
to do," said Eric Smith, a consultant to the state and vice president of
Today's stories A-Z
TV & Radio
Inacom, a computer reseller. "I think [administration officials] are
Weather
being very realistic in what they want to do."
Classifieds
Some educators also question the wisdom of giving seventh-graders
Autos
Classifieds
delicate laptops, which may not survive adolescent rambunctiousness
Help Wanted
or trips home on the bus. But the state already has a program where
Real Estate
companies donate used computers that are then retrofitted as
Pentium-class computers by the state's prison inmates. And
administration officials note dryly that seventh-graders seem to be able
to take care of their Game Boys, which are hand-held computers.
2 of 3
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Still, critics have a host of other concerns, from young hands
developing repetitive stress injuries, to a lack of socialization among
Buy a Globe photo
children who spend their afternoons staring at a screen.
Help
"There is the concern about the digital divide, and what this does in one
E-mail addresses
fell swoop is eliminate it from urban and rural schools - that's a real
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plus," said Larry Cuban, a professor of education at Stanford University
Alternative views
who has written about technology in the classroom. "But people
Low-graphics version
confuse availability with use, and that raises a number of very complex
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questions."
Promises that teachers will be trained, he said, are "too glib."
Search the Globe:
"It's how you train them and toward what ends. For test scores to go up
you have to have a lot of connections between what a teacher does on a
Today
daily basis that's connected to the academic standards, that are
Yesterday
connected to the tests and textbooks. It's that connective tissue that
people generally don't take into consideration. They get carried away
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with the glamour of just spreading the computers around."
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04/05/1999 08:32
207-287-2532
GOV. ANGUS KING
PAGE 02
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
1 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE
04333-0001
DENNIS BAILEY
ANGUS S. KING, JR.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
GOVERNOR
dennis,[email protected]
[email protected]
MARCH 2, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KING UNVEILS BOLD PLAN TO PROVIDE
PORTABLE COMPUTERS TO MAINE STUDENTS
AUGUSTA- - In a bid to conquer the "digital divide" and take a giant leap
forward in the computer literacy of Maine students, Gov. Angus King today
outlined a bold proposal to provide every seventh grader in Maine with an
Internet-ready, portable computer, forever.
The $50 million plan, unveiled at two news conferences Thursday, would
give each incoming seventh-grader a portable, personal computer to use while in
school and at home. The students will carry the computers with them as they
progress through the upper grades, and it will remain with them after graduation
from high school. The initiative will also provide portable computers and training
for Maine schoolteachers.
"The jobs of the future, in every area - manufacturing, services, healthcare,
retail, government, education, everywhere - all will involve computer and Internet
literacy," said King, "and those individuals and societies that are the most
competent and at ease with this technology will be the most successful. This
initiative will move Maine students to the head of the class - the forefront of the
world - in access to technology.
"This is a bold step for Maine," he continued, "and any such attempt
involves risk. But the returns - - to the state, our economy, and especially to our
children - - are immeasurable. For good or ill, this technology is with us and will
transform us. If we resist it, we will decline; if we accept it, we will survive; if we
embrace it, we will flourish. The question is, why shouldn't Maine be first?"
Under the plan, an endowment fund will be established using a one-time
appropriation of $50 million from the unallocated state surplus and a match of $15
FRUNTED ON RECYCLED AND
phone: (207)287-2531 (Voice)
FAX: (207)287-2532
(207) 287-6548 (TTY)
million from federal or private sources. Income generated from the fund will
create a permanent source of money to buy the portable computers for every
seventh grader in Maine, forever. The proceeds from the fund would be
administered by a public-private foundation, which would decide the technical
aspects of the computers, negotiate the purchases, and manage the distribution.
The fund would also pay half the cost of purchasing the computers for every
teacher in the state (K-12) over five years. An additional $1 million per year will
be provided for ongoing support for professional development for teachers in the
area of integrating technology and the Internet into the curriculum.
King envisions students using the computers in the classroom, at home -
even on the school bus - doing research on the Internet, discussing assignments
with their teachers and fellow classmates via e-mail, preparing reports using word
processing and graphics programs, and maintaining class and after-school
schedules. The exact type of computer will be determined by the foundation that
administers the fund, and would likely change as technology advances from full-
featured laptops to small, handheld appliances like the Palm Pilot.
"Simply undertaking an initiative of this size and scope will put Maine on
the national technological map," King said. "It's a huge step that will make
headlines around the world - and place us in the front rank of the states in terms of
education and integration of this absolutely essential technology into the everyday
lives of our students. This step will also be a huge boost to our ongoing and
critically important efforts to build a high-tech economy."
King met yesterday with Legislative leaders and education officials to
outline the plan, and received support from educators and business officials. Chris
Toy, principal of the Freeport Middle School, said many middle-school students
do not have computers at home.
"Access to technology is analogous to access to information in today's age,"
said Toy. "This is a good idea, one that will put this information and technology
directly into the hands of Maine students."
Contact: Dennis Bailey, 287-2531
2
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GOV. ANGUS KING
PAGE 04
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
1 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE
04333-0001
DENNIS BAILEY
ANGUS S. KING, JR.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
GOVERNOR
dennis,[email protected]
[email protected]
LUNCHBOXES TO LAPTOPS:
GOV. KING'S SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
WHAT IS IT? This program will provide every seventh grader in Maine
with an Internet-ready, portable computer, forever. They will use it in their
classrooms and in their homes through high school, and it's theirs to keep after
graduation.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? An endowment fund will be established
using a one-time appropriation of $50 million from the unallocated state surplus
and a match of $15 million from private and/or federal sources. Income generated
from the fund will provide the necessary money to give every entering 7th grader a
portable computer beginning in 2002.
WHAT ABOUT THE TEACHERS? The endowment fund will also
provide half the cost of purchasing a computer for every teacher in the state (K-12)
over the course of five years. An additional $1 million per year will be provided
for ongoing support for professional development for teachers in the area of
integrating technology and the Internet into the curriculum.
WHY DO THIS? This initiative will prove crucial in bridging the "digital
divide." Currently in Maine, too many families do not have a computer at home to
allow their children access to this critical technology into their learning process.
The key idea is to move computers and the Internet from the lab into classrooms
and homes. Students won't have to wait for a machine in the lab that's open only
during school hours; they can research topics on the Internet, work on ongoing
projects or do homework with these machines in the classroom, on the bus or at
home. Essentially it puts technology necessary in today's and, more important,
tomorrow's world in the hands of Maine students whenever and wherever they
need it.
PRINTED ON REGYCLED PAPER
PHONE: (207)287-2531 (Voice)
FAX: (207)287-2532
(207) 287-6548 (TTY)
04/05/1999
08:32
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GOV. ANGUS KING
PAGE 05
From Lunchboxes to Laptops
Q. and A. on Proposal for an Endowment Fund to Purchase Computers for School Children
1. Why should we buy all these computers? The schools already have computer labs and it's an
awful lot of money.
It is an absolute certainty that the jobs of the future, in every area - manufacturing, services,
healthcare, retail, government, education, everywhere - all will involve computer and Internet
literacy. Those individuals and societies that are the most competent and at ease with this
technology will be the most successful.
The fundamental purpose of this initiative is to make computers an integral part of our educational
process - and our students' way of thinking and working. The key idea is "integral part"-to move
the computer and the internet from the lab - down the hall and once a week - to the backpacks - for
use every day in every class and every home.
This is the boldest initiative in the country in terms of student access to technology.
2. What exactly does the program involve?
The concept is simple: we set aside $50 million of the unallocated surplus created by the recent
upward revenue reprojections and place it in a permanent endowment fund, the income from which
will be used to buy laptop computers for every 7th grader in Maine, forever. In this way, at the end
of five years, every student in Maine above the 6th grade will have his or her own computer. The
State's contribution to the fund will be matched by $15 million from private and/or federal sources.
The first round of purchases will begin in the fall of 2002. A publicly accountable board of
trustees will manage the fund with the goal of returning 8-9% annually.
The income from the fund will be administered by this public-private foundation (on the model of
the Maine Development Foundation), which would decide the technical aspects of the computers,
negotiate the purchases, and manage the distribution.
1
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PAGE 06
3. Why portables and not desktops?
The big advantage of laptops is that they can go home - and at a stroke, we will have gone a long
way toward eliminating the "digital divide" - the growing gap between those connected to
technology and those who are not. In addition, laptops - which can operate in school on batteries
charged at home - won't require extensive rewiring of classrooms in order to function on every
desk. Portables will enable computer - and Internet - based research assignments and exchanges
with teachers and fellow students.
4. What about access fees for the Internet? Who pays? And what about preventing kids from
gaining access to adult oriented websites?
Schools get Internet access for free through the Maine School Libraries Network. Students will also
be able to use MSLN from home to gain access to the Internet. The MSLN system currently has
filters installed to prevent kids from gaining access to improper sites; additional filters can also be
installed on the individual computers.
5. How about the teachers? Are we just going to drop all these computers on the kids and
expect the teachers to catch up?
Absolutely not. A key component of this initiative will be to empower the teachers to lead this
transformation. First, the fund would pay half the cost of purchasing the computers for every
teacher in the state (K - 12) in a five-year phase-in (with replacement every five years, as the
technology develops). The approximate one-time cost to the participating districts would be
$250.00 per computer.
Second, and perhaps more important, Governor King has proposed in his supplemental budget
request an additional $1 million per year in ongoing support for professional development for the
integration of technology and the internet into the curriculum. These funds would be over and
above the $2 million already proposed for professional development for implementation of the
Learning Results.
2
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PAGE 07
6. If we give computers to the kids, won't some be broken, lost, sold, or otherwise abused?
Sure - some loss or breakage is inevitable in a program of this magnitude (approximately 21,000
computers will be given out each year - 17,000 to students and 4,000 to teachers), but the
computers will be manufactured to be as durable as possible. The risk does not seem overwhelming,
given the huge benefits. Besides, right now thousands of our kids are doing a pretty good job of
keeping track of their Game-Boys - which are nothing more than handheld computers.
7. But what if they do break - who pays to maintain them?
We would do it ourselves, building on the capacity the state has already developed in our
correctional system to repair and upgrade machines for the current computers-for-schools program.
We have already refurbished and upgraded over 1,000 donated computers under this program -
creating more access to technology for our schools and valuable job skills for our medium security
inmates. The system to provide efficient, low-cost maintenance is already in place.
8. But won't these computers be obsolete before 7th graders reach the end of high school?
In some ways, yes, but in a general sense, no. We envision three basic functions: word processing,
math (spreadsheets, data manipulation), and, perhaps most important, e-mail and access to the
Internet. There are certain to be improvements in technology (and price) within any period longer
than a couple of years, but the machines will still perform these critical functions. Advanced
operations - graphics, for example - will still require the larger, more powerful machines in the
computer lab.
9. What if a future governor and legislature want to raid the fund?
That could happen, but if the program is running well, it would be unlikely. Remember, the beauty
of this plan is that it does not require a commitment of ongoing spending - once the trust fund is set
up, it runs indefinitely on its own income. This is a powerful legacy for this generation of political
leaders in Maine to leave to our children and grandchildren.
3
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PAGE 08
10. It still seems like a lot of money - are there any other benefits beyond those to the kids
themselves?
Absolutely. Simply undertaking an initiative o this size and scope will put Maine on the national
technological map. This is a huge step that will make headline news around the world - and place
us in the front rank of the states in terms of education and the integration of this absolutely essential
technology into the everyday life of our students. This step will be a huge boost to our ongoing and
critically important efforts to build a high-tech economy.
Everyone is going to do this eventually (many colleges already require incoming students to have
laptops); why shouldn't Maine be first?
11. But aren't there other important things we could spend this money on?
Sure, but as far as education goes, we're well on our way to providing significant multi-year state
commitments to improve school subsidy and school facilities. And remember this is a one-time
investment. We're not going to have this $50 million next year or the year after - for tax cuts,
elderly drug assistance, aid to education, job training, or any other ongoing programs. Viewed in
that way, it's hard to imagine any single investment or group of investments matching this idea in
long-term impact.
12. Why can't we just take this $50 million and add it to GPA, or use it for much needed repairs
and renovation?
The short answer is that we have already spent the future value of this reprojection in the significant
commitment to increased GPA we have already made. We are now facing a "structural gap" of
almost $200 million in the next biennium- - even including the recent upward reprojections.
The critical point is that GPA is an on-going expense - and current revenue projections and
spending commitments mean that any increase beyond the 5% currently proposed would simply not
be sustainable in future years. This proposal, however, is an important way to help our students on
an on-going basis, but uses one-time money to do so.
4
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PAGE 09
It's important to put recent education spending into context. In the budget passed last spring, we
increased GPA 6%; if we increase it by 5% this year (the Governor's supplemental budget proposed
to add 2% to the 3% already passed last year), this means a cumulative increase in GPA of over
$100 million during this biennium. This is in addition to $43 million already allocated to school
renovation (the Governor has proposed an additional $20 million for this purpose in
the Supplemental) and almost $200 million being released for school construction this year,
provided the proposed increase in the construction bond cap is approved.
Although we still have a ways to go in school renovation and construction, we have made
tremendous progress in the last several years, and we will continue to address this problem. An
initiative of this magnitude should not necessarily come first, but it should not have to wait until the
last window is fixed, either.
13. OK, OK, but can you guarantee it will work - that the price will be affordable, that the
investment returns will be adequate, that the kids will take care of the machines?
Of course not. All we can go on now are best estimates of how it could come together - and those
estimates are that it will work. And if it doesn't work, we still have the money, If we find that we
can't raise the private match (or find it within our own future resources) or that the price of the
computers we need is too high, or that the machines prove nonfunctional in the classroom, we can
reallocate the fund and the only loss, if any, is the income expended.
This is a bold and exciting step for Maine, and any such attempt involves risk. But the returns - to
the state, our economy, and especially to our children - - are immeasurable.
For good or ill, this technology is with us and will transform us. If we resist it, we will decline; if
we accept it, we will survive; if we embrace it, we will flourish.
Why shouldn't Maine be first?
5
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PAGE 10
SEYMOUR PAPERT COMMENTS ON LUNCHBOXES TO LAPTOPS
"THE KING PLAN FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS"
With the technology initiative announced today, Maine has made three historic firsts in bringing
education into line with the twenty first century:
Maine is the first state to make a formal commitment to the concept that owning a personal
computer is the right of every student.
From the year 2001 onwards every student who leaves a Maine elementary school will go
not only with the skills needed for the knowledge century but also with a computer to
exercise these skills though the remaining years of study.
Maine is the first state to equip all local schools to undertake a comprehensive, integrated
enhancement of curriculum to fit the needs and take advantage of the opportunities of the twenty
first century.
The policy of issuing personal computers to all students makes possible for the first time the
design of curriculum based on the assumption that every student has access at home, as well
as at school. As the wave of students in the computer program goes through successive
years of school, the wave of new curriculum will follow. By the year 2003, it will touch all
students in the middle school grades, well known to be the critical period of greatest
educational risk.
Maine is the first state to complement its recently adopted assessment of standards with the
conditions of ubiquitous access to digital technology.
Maine has committed itself to a rigorous assessment of the highest educational standards of
any state. The presence of ubiquitous computation will allow schools to meet these
standards at a high level and provide students with the skills to fit new requirements in the
workplace and new learning opportunities in the schools.
Widely known as one of the world's foremost experts on helping children learn with computers,
Seymour Papert has long recognized and articulated how computers could fundamentally
revolutionize learning and education. Papert has authored several books on this subject including
"The Children's Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer" and "The Connected
Family: Bridging the Digital Generation Gap." He holds the Lego Chair for Learning Research at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is the co-founder of the MIT Media Lab and the MIT
Artificial Intelligence Lab. (Courtesy of www.papert.org)
04/05/1999 08:32
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GOV. ANGUS KING
PAGE 11
Walter J. Taranko
J. Gary Nichols
State Ubrarian
Madia Services Coordinator
MAINE
MAINE STATE LIBRARY
MEDIA SERVICES
LMA BUILDING
64 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, ME 04333-0064
TEL: 207-287-5620 FAX: 207-287-5624
MEMO
FEBRUARY 29, 2000
TO:
Ed Gomes
FROM:
Cheryl Ramsay
RE:
Computers for Schools and Libraries Program
Ed, I just had a phone call from Brown Memorial Library in Clinton. The librarian,
Louella Bickford, is desperate for computers. She said she had students lined up
yesterday desperate to use their only computer. They had been told to get their
assignments off the Internet and, as there are so many in that community who
cannot afford computers at home, the public library is their only resource.
Brown Memorial Library is connected to the MSLN but that doesn't do much good if
there aren't enough computers to access the information. She said there they do
have plenty of room so space is not a factor.
She would greatlty appreciate it if you could advise her what steps to go through to
acquire new computers or even used ones, for that matter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
PROPOSED AGENDA FOR DIGITAL DIVIDE MEETING
Roosevelt Room
March 2, 2000
10:00 AM
I.
Outreach
GS calls/ meetings
Daley, TAK to do wider corporate outreach
OPL setting up Civil Rights meetings
II.
Discussion of Kick-off options
Event options
Getting major sign-on to National Challenge
III.
Narrowing trip options and locations
School "town hall" with POTUS and CEOs and satellite to 10-20 schools
Detroit Big Three concept
AOL/PowerUP?
Working through other major commitment possibilities (see workplan for
developing list)
Indian Reservation
Gene - fr. hynn
AMERICA'S
50MOST
BY DINA GAN
WIRED CITIES
Sub
comp
about
driv
AND TOWNS
Not all cities are created equal-certainly not in cyberspace. Find out
which ones made the list this year and why they have what it takes
able cars. The
Wired Cities have more than just
the domestic arena, with 39.5 per-
this year, with 820 Web-worthy
C
Golden Gate
hardware and Net access. With
cent connecting from home.
computers for every 1,000 people.
Bridge. Rice-A-
the help of researchers across the
Roni. Maybe we
country, we crunched numbers
DOMAIN DENSITY: To what
DIRECTORY DENSITY: It's great to
can add a com-
for the better part of a month, tak-
extent are businesses using the
have a lot of people accessing the
puter to the list
ing into account home and busi-
Internet? We answered that
Net, but how many Web sites-
of images that
ness Internet use, the prevalence
question by counting the number
big and small, official and decid-
define San Francisco. After all,
of online companies, the number
of commercial domain names reg-
edly unofficial-are devoted to
the City by the Bay has held the
of networked computers in a given
istered and dividing by the total
each city? We tallied up the sites
title of Most Wired City for three
area, and the quantity and quali-
number of firms. San Jose, the
for each and divided by the pop-
years running.
ty of city-related content avail-
hub of Silicon Valley, stayed on
ulation to get this measure of
Even with the explosive growth
able online. Here's a breakdown
top, with 1.3 dot-coms for every
wiredness. San Francisco bested
of the Net, San Francisco has held
of the major categories:
business. And since last year, it
Austin this year, with more than
off other contenders, scoring high-
has nearly doubled its number of
15 sites for every 1,000 people.
est in most of the major measured
HOME & WORK NET USE: More
commercial domains.
categories. The nation's capital
and more Americans go online
CONTENT QUALITY: Quantity
came in a close second, buoyed by
every year. The Census Bureau
HOSTS PER CAPITA: This refers
is one thing: quality, another. We
the government's massive online
and the Bureau of Labor Statistics
not to talk shows but to the num-
looked at each city's local sites in
infrastructure. San Jose used its
keep track of just how many for
ber of computers hooked up to
a range of categories, including
Silicon Valley savvy to nab the third
the Current Population Survey.
the Net. That includes laptops in
government, business, and cul-
spot, while Austin took advantage
This year Washington, D.C., wins
living rooms, PCs in corporate
ture. The top spot was shared by
of a booming Net economy to place
in terms of Web users at work,
cubbyholes, and terminals at
Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles,
fourth. Fifth place went to Seattle,
with 39.5 percent signing on at
cybercafés, as well as machines
San Francisco, Seattle, New York,
home of Microsoft.
the office. Austin comes in a close
that serve data or route traffic
and Washington, D.C.: All scored
As in past years, the Most
second, and it's still the champ in
around the Net. San Jose wins
perfect IOs.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY LAURENT CILLUFFO
122 MARCH 2000 YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE
AMERICA'S50
MOS
CITY/METROPOLITAN AREA
POPULATION
TOTAL PTS
HOME
I
HOSTS
San Francisco, CA
1,655,454
LINKS
55.3
9.5
8.1
9.7
8
ENT
2
Washington, DC
10
highes
4,563,123
43.9
8.4
10
10
4.8
8.9
3
1.8
San Jose, CA
1,599,604
43.9
10
10
The governme
8.8
10
10
4
1.1
Austin, TX
1,041,330
41.5
4
The high-tech
10
9.3
6.1
5.8
5
3.3
Seattle, WA
2,234,707
7
A very Net-sav
41.4
10
8.2
4.5
5.6
3.1
6
San Diego, CA
10
The headquart
2,655,463
35.3
8
4.9
7.9
4.1
1.4
7
Boston, MA
9
Just about eve
3,263,060
35.1
7.2
5.2
5
5
2.7
8
Dallas, TX
10
Excellent. local
3,047,983
33.2
7.4
7.8
4
4.1
I.9
9
8
Not as high as i
Atlanta, GA
3,541,230
32.4
6.9
6
3.7
7
1.8
10
7
Watch out for
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
2,765,116
32.2
9.2
6.6
3.3
4.2
1.9
11
7
Folks log on at
Orange County, CA
2,636,888
31.9
6.9
5.9
7.8
3.8
1,5
12
6
The wealthy D
Denver, CO
1,866,978
31.5
8
7.1
3.3
3.9
2.2
7
13
Dropped a spo
Los Angeles, CA
9,127,751
30.5
5.1
4
6.1
3.5
1.8
10
The Webtainm
14
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
1,025,253
30.4
7.8
6.4
3.3
5.8
2.1
5
The Research
15
New York, NY
8,643,437
30.2
4.3
4.8
5.1
4.2
1.8
10
A diverse econ
16
Portland, OR
1,758,937
30.1
8.4
6.8
3.7
3.5
1.7
6
Net surfing is :
17
Chicago, IL
7,733,876
29.9
6.1
5.9
3.3
3.5
I.I
10
Its sites are si
18
Philadelphia, PA
4,952,929
29.1
6.4
5.7
3
5
I
8
Tied with Bost
19
Orlando, FL
1,417,291
28.8
8.3
6.5
3.1
4.1
1.8
5
Why? Becaus
20
Baltimore, MD
2,474,118
28.6
7.2
7.3
2.7
3.3
I.I
7
Charm City ha
21
Phoenix, AZ
2,746,703
28
6.6
5
4
3.9
1.5
7
Missed the top
22
Oakland, CA
2,209,629
28
7.4
7.6
5.7
5
0.3
2
Plenty of peop
23
Houston, TX
3,791,921
27.6
5.8
5.5
3.3
4
I
8
Much-improve
24
Salt Lake City, UT
1,217,842
26.5
8.4
6.2
3.9
3.4
1.6
3
high percent
25
Cincinnati, OH
1,597,352
26.3
7.8
6.2
2.3
3.2
0.8
6
Columbus has
26
Nashville, TN
1,117,178
26
7.5
7.4
2.8
3.3
I
4
The place just
27
Honolulu, HI
871,766
26
5.9
3.9
2.6
3.8
1.8
8
This island par
28
Sacramento, CA
1,482,208
25.7
6.5
5.2
3.4
3.7
1.9
5
Once rated 12t
29
Las Vegas, NV
1,201,073
25.4
5.3
2.4
5.3
3.4
1
8
major boost
30
Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ
1,091,097
25.4
8.7
5.5
3.9
3.4
0.9
3
A high-tech clt
31
Columbus, OH
1,447,646
25.3
7.5
6.3
2.5
4.2
0.9
4
It's in the top
I
32
Milwaukee, WI
1,457,655
25.3
6.3
6.3
2.3
3.4
I
6
Better than av
33
Tucson, AZ
767,873
24.7
7.4
5.5
4.8
3.7
1.3
2
University type
34
Detroit, MI
4,318,145
24.4
6.5
4.8
2
3.5
0.6
7
Online car-buy
35
Miami, FL
2,076,175
24.3
5
3.8
4.3
3.2
2
6
Another falling
36
Albany, NY
878,527
24.2
6
6.5
5.2
1.7
3.4
1.4
The seat of Ne
37
Ventura, CA
714,733
23.7
7.5
6.8
3.4
0.4
I
4.6
Technically pai
38
Indianapolis, IN
1,492,297
23.7
6.5
5.6
2.8
3.8
I
4
More Net user
39
Bergen-Passaic, NJ
1,311,331
0.9
3
23.6
8.1
4.8
3.5
3.3
Who would ha
40
Norfolk-V. Beach-Newport News, VA
1,540,252
23.4
7
7.1
3
3.9
0.4
2
Slight improve
41
Cleveland, OH
2,233,288
23.2
5.2
3.9
2.6
3.4
1.1
7
Despite better
42
Fort Lauderdale, FL
22.8
3.1
0.5
5
1,438,228
6
3.4
4.8
Looks as if kid
43
Kansas City, MO-KS
6.2
5.1
0.9
4
1,690,343
22.7
3.4
3.1
It's not that its
44
Rochester, NY
22.4
5.5
6.9
0.8
4
1,088,037
1.6
3.6
With a 10-plac
45
West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL
22.2
6.8
3.7
4.1
3.2
1.4
3
992,840
Retired seniors
46
Hartford, CT
1,144,574
22
6.2
1.6
3
5.5
2.2
3.5
It doesn't hurt
47
New Orleans, LA
22
5.5
3.8
1.8
3.7
1.2
6
1,312,890
There's lots to
48
6.8
5.5
0.8
3
Monmouth-Ocean, NJ
1,065,284
21.9
2.7
3.1
More than one
9
3
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
2,199,231
21.8
6.7
3.7
3.2
4
1.2
A decent score
50
2
Knoxville, TN
649,277
21.3
5.6
1.7
3.9
1.2
6.9
Not great cont
Key to chart categories: Estimated population is based on Standard Metropolitan Area = = Net use; COM = density of Net businesses; 10.
HOSTS = density of networked computers; LINKS= = density of city-specific links; CONTENT figures. = quality HOME of city-related residential Net resources use; WORK online. business Chart scores are awarded on a scale from I to
124 MARCH 2000 YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE
MOSTWIREDC
TOP
TEN
STS
COMMENTS
Has the highest rankings overall, plus the most-and best-local sites
The government is well wired; having AOL nearby helps keep this metro area on top
The high-tech center of Silicon Valley has a relative shortage of good local links
A very Net-savvy population aids the hometown of Dell
Percentage of adults using the Net at home
The headquarters of Microsoft and Amazon.com gets a boost from residents using the Net
(tie) Austin, TX, and
39.5%
Just about every company here has a Web presence; sites about the city are great, too
San Jose, CA
39.5%
3 Seattle, WA
39.4%
Excellent local sites and plenty of networked computers with which to view them
4 San Francisco, CA
37.7%
Not as high as its Texan partner; it's harder to wire a population three times the size of Austin
5 Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
36.3%
Watch out for a rise in the ranks-the state has been spending big money on high tech
6 Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ 34.4%
7 (tie) Salt Lake City, UT, and
33.2%
Folks log on at home more than at work, and there are as many wired PCs here as in New York
Washington, DC
33,2%
The wealthy Digital Coast teems with tech ventures
9 Akron, OH
33.1%
Dropped a spot since last year, but still more wired than most
10 Portland, OR
33.0%
(Source: Jed Kolko, using data from Census Bureau and Bureau
The Webtainment industry helped propel L.A. from its No. 24 spot last year
of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, December 1998)
The Research Triangle's brain trust ensures the area's tech superiority
Percentage of adults using the Net at work
A diverse economy dwarfs Silicon Alley relative to industries like finance, media, and retail
I Washington, DC
39,5%
2 Austin, TX
36.8%
Net surfing is a popular hobby here, but local content could use improvement
3 San Jose, CA
34.6%
Its sites are stellar, but other cities did better in the remaining categories
4 Seattle, WA
32.5%
Tied with Boston for hosts-per-capita, but Philly could use more and better links
5 San Francisco, CA
32.1%
6 Dallas, TX
30.6%
Why? Because one-third of the population is online when they're not on line at Disney
7 Oakland, CA
30.0%
Charm City hasn't budged; maybe Johns Hopkins needs to produce more than MDs
8 Nashville, TN
29.4%
Missed the top 20 by a hair, despite improved content since last year
9 Baltimore, MD
29.0%
10 Norfolk-V. Beach-Newport News, VA 28.2%
Plenty of people are online in this Silicon Valley outpost, at home and at work
(Source: Jed Koiko, using data from Census Bureau and Bureau
proved content has helped this Texas town rise in the ranks
of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, December 1998)
ercentage of recreational surfers keeps this city in the top half of the list
Directory density (sites per 1,000 capita)
I San Francisco, CA
15.34
Columbus has more computers per head, but this burg beats it on other fronts
2 Austin, TX
5.11
The place just ain't as wired as it used to be; it fell from 17th place
3 Seattle, WA
4.8
This island paradise has plenty of surfers-online and off
4 Boston, MA
4.15
5 Denver, CO
3.41
Once rated 12th, but other cities have gotten themselves much more wired
6 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
3.21
A major boost in content quality helped this gambling town shimmy up several notches
7 Miami, FL
3.01
A high-tech cluster around Route I gives this metro area a leg up into the top 50
8 Dallas, TX
2.96
9 Minneapolis-St Paul, MN
2.94
It's in the top 10 for hosts-per-capita, but more businesses could put up Web sites
10 Sacramento, CA
2.91
Better than average content, but only one-quarter of the population is online
(Source: Yahoo!)
University types helped this relatively small city make its comeback on this year's list
Domains (.com) per 1,000 firms
Online car-buying wasn't enough to prevent Detroit from slipping down the list since last year
I San Jose, CA
1,303.40
2 San Francisco, CA
1,263.40
Another falling star, although it made the top 10 for directory density
3 San Diego, CA
1,032.80
The seat of New York state government debuts in a strong spot
4 Orange County, CA
1,014.80
Technically part of the Digital Coast, it's hampered by a relatively small population
5 Los Angeles, CA
799.8
6 Austin, TX
796.9
More Net users and more Web sites could help reverse this city's downward trend
7. Oakland, CA
748.6
Who would have guessed that the Sony.com domain is officially registered here?
8 Las Vegas, NV
694.7
Slight improvements all around pushed this metro area up one spot
9 New York, NY
663.6
10 Boston, MA
652.7
Despite better content, the city fell more than 10 spots on the list
(Source: Matthew Zook, July 1999)
Looks as if kids have started packing their laptops for spring break
Hosts* per 1,000 capita
It's not that its overall score didn't improve; it's just that everyone else did better
I San Jose, CA
820
With a 10-place drop since its previous ranking, it'll have to work hard to stay in the top 50
2 Washington, DC
480
3 San Francisco, CA
410
Retired seniors have a lot of time to surf the Net
4 Atlanta, GA
330
It doesn't hurt to have Wesleyan and Trinity considered part of this metro area
5 (tie) Austin, TX, and
230
There's lots to do here besides surf the Net; local sites do a good job of listing them
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
230
M
one-third of businesses here have Web sites; plenty of folks log on at home, too
score on home Net use keeps this metro area hanging on
SAN FRANCISCO: IMAGE BANK
7 Seattle, WA
210
8 Newark, NJ
200
A
9 (tie) Boston, MA,
160
Not great content, but relatively healthy home and work use
Oakland, CA, and
160
Philadelphia, PA
160
(Source: MIDS, www.mids org, July 1999)
*That is, the number of Net-connected computers.
WWW.YIL.COM 125
The VIREDCITIES ANDTOWNS
SCHO
Going online is easy if
WIREDTOWNS
you're in San Francisco.
But what about America's
towns? Meet eight hamlets
that took the initiative
DY
DILGE
EDIRI
BLACKSBURG, VA
nity, it was easy to get these folks online."
for a friend who had been diagnosed with
POP. 34,590 SITE bev.org
No kidding: Today, 85 percent of the town
cancer. Realizing the power of this
is online, including three-quarters of the
resource, he decided the town needed to be
churches. What's next? The university has
at the forefront of the Net revolution. In
HE BLACKSBURG ELECTRONIC VILLAGE
begun testing wireless Net access in the
partnership with a local hospital, the Syl-
I
(BEV), with its discussion groups, vir-
community.
vania Electronic Village (SEV) came online
tual Village Mall, and a whole host of
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN ONLINE: "My
in December 1995. Today it's one of the
town services, is something of a legend
son's computerized loft bed," says Elkins.
best-organized and most detailed e-villages
among wired communities. Using the
"It's the Batmobile. It has fiber-optic lights,
in the country. But has the Net had any
resources of local Virginia Tech Universi-
a connection to the Web, and it controls a
alienating effects in such a tightly knit
ty, the community caught the Internet bug
radio, a reading light, and a fan."
community? No, says Rick Smenner, pres-
early-in 1993, in fact-and never looked
ident of SEV. "It's brought our communi-
SYLVANIA oH
back. "Before the Net really took off, the
ty closer. We've been very active in getting
POP 40,000 SITE sev.org.
university subsidized dial-in connections,"
council meetings up and getting feedback
says Monta Elkins, a former systems
from citizens Our users are very loyal."
administrator for BEV who is now a sys-
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN ONLINE: "A
S
YLVANIA FIRST DISCOVERED THE NET IN
tems engineer at Virginia Tech. "And
1995, when a former city council
lot of the most interesting things are the
because it was such an isolated commu-
member went online to do research
personal Web pages people put up," says
st 25,
126 MARCH 2000 YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE
WREDCITIES ANDTOWNS
Smenner. "Nothing crazy, but it's interest-
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN ONLINE:
site for Nevada, which lies on the road
ng to see the differences in people."
"The Pendleton LAN Gamers," says Vigil.
from Joplin to Kansas City. "It's really
PENDLETON, OR
"Just the notion that people are dragging
something, seeing as how we're just a lit-
their computers to play games against each
POP 16.915 SITE pendleton.or.t
tle farming community caught between
other is kind of funny. Especially in this
two big metropolitan areas."
town." (For more on LAN gaming, see "Fight
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN ONLINE:
L
ET 'ER BUCK!" IS THE RALLYING CRY OF
Clubs," page 112.)
"Around Halloween time," recalls
this former Oregon Trail rest stop. The
NEVADA, MO
Mitchell, "somebody wrote in our site's
West is still very much a part of life
here, especially during the annual
POP. 10,000
SITE nevadamo
guestbook that one of the graves at a
cemetery here had a casket with a glass
PENDLETON ROUND-UP AND HAPPY
top and that you could see the deceased's
CANYON, one of the 10 largest rodeos in
W
ITH TWO SMALL COLLEGES IN TOWN
skull. And the response was just unbe-
the world. But with everyone from the
(Cottey College and the Nevada Tele
lievable. I don't think that cemetery ever
Convention Center managers to the local
Center, an outreach and extension
had that many visitors."
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA
program), Nevada's residents discovered
INDIAN RESERVATION using the Net, Pendle-
the Net well before the municipal gov-
ALPHARETTA, GA
ton is living up to its pioneer heritage in
ernment went online. But now, with a Web
POP.
30,000 SITE alpharetta ga.us
more ways than one. What has the wired
site featuring everything from the annu-
universe brought? "Worldliness," says
al water-quality report to movie listings
W
ITH MANY OF ITS RESIDENTS EMPLOYED
John Vigil, the town's computer specialist.
and press releases announcing middle-
by high-tech and telecommunica-
"A lot more people are seeing what other
school concerts, the town is catching up.
tions 'businesses in the area,
communities have to offer and are think-
"The site has just ballooned," declares
Alpharetta, midway between Atlanta and
ing, 'Maybe I can do that here.''
Mark Mitchell, webmaster of the official
the North Georgia Mountains, takes its
Net seriously. Mayor Chuck Martin says
WEBVILLE: Alpharetta (top) and Mill Valley are just two of America's most Net-friendly towns.
that the important thing is to "not lose the
personal touch We will not force the use
of the Internet; we will make it available
for citizen convenience." Thanks to the
Net-and the town's detailed official
site-community involvement is on the
rise, with many officials available to
answer queries online. "An individual will
take the time to write an e-mail when they
will not take the time to write a 'formal'
letter and put it in the mail. [And] I can
respond much more quickly with e-mail
than with a letter," says the mayor.
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN ONLINE:
"The most interesting thing for me," says
Martin, "is the number of messages I get
from students who are doing class projects
and [want to ask] questions."
BARBOURVILLE KY
POP. 3,300 SITE
OME TOWNS ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE
S
situated near major cities with big
businesses ready to employ thou-
sands. Some, like Barbourville, sit nes-
tled in the Cumberland Mountains miles
away from big cities and have to make
their own luck. That's why the town
invested nearly $2 million in a fiber-optic
ALPHARETTA: MAHAN/CITY OF ALPHARETTA; MILL VALLEY: COURTESY OF THE MARIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL
network that has given homes and busi-
nesses direct Net access. "To compete
with places of similar size, we needed a
little advantage in job recruitment and
Internet now
education," says Chris Brewer,
171>>
opening your n
FOR SITES IN THIS STORY, PLEASE TURN TO THIS MONTH'S SITE ADDRESS GUIDE, OR VISIT WWW.YIL.COM/URL/0003/CITIES.HTML
pontaneous one-c
even talk to 0
128 MARCH 2000 YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE
voice be hearc
102 Y-Life Interview
128 50 Most Wired Cities
contrary, I'm like most people, I
assistant superintendent of the Bar-
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN
-people who are learning and want
bourville Utility Commission. The effort
ONLINE: "We get e-mails from people all
to know more.
paid off: The Immigration and Natural-
over the world," says Herr. "The police
Y-LIFE: Did you ever meet Bill Gates?
ization Service recently chose Bar-
department received an e-mail from a fel-
MILLER: He doesn't exist. He's like the
bourville as the site of a call center that
low in Stratfordshire, England, saying
guy in the movie North by Northwest. They
will soon bring the town 300 jobs-"hard
that he'd like to join the force and asking
thought Cary Grant was a spy, but there was
to come by for a small rural Kentucky
for [assistance]."
no spy-just a guy who'd been made up.
town," says Brewer. "It was going to Hous-
While I was in Seattle, I became convinced
ton, but they didn't have the infrastruc-
WATERVILLE, ME
Gates doesn't exist.
ture we have."
POP. 16,758
SITE ci.waterville.me.us
Truth is, I find him kind of interesting.
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN
HOME TO COLBY AND THOMAS COLLEGES,
He could be a lot more whacked than he
ONLINE: "We've had several divorces," Brew-
the town of Waterville first got onto the
is. For being a genius, he seems about as
ersays. "Chat has brought a whole new level
Net through its school system's slower
little whacked as you can be. Big brain.
to the love lives of people in our commu-
connections. It now has cable modem
That f-er must have trouble sleeping,
nity. And Lucent Technologies was hacked
access and is even sharing its knowledge
turning it off at night.
by one of our 12-year-old customers."
by helping other towns get online.
Y-LIFE: Other people, including the U.S.
According to Eric Anderson, Waterville's
Department of Justice, worry about
MILL VALLEY, CA
information technologist, it's "starting
Microsoft and Bill Gates. We don't expect
POP. 14,000 SITE cityofmillvalley.org
partnerships with some of our smaller
you to rant too hard about someone who
"INTERACTIVE" IS THE NAME OF THE GAME
area towns to provide them with [infor-
has paid you for commercials, but are you
for this prosperous settlement 15 miles
mation services], which they wouldn't be
concerned that he'll control every aspect of
from tech-friendly San Francisco. Resi-
able to afford by themselves." Once they
computers and perhaps even the Internet?
dents can anonymously report suspi-
have access, those towns may also bene-
MILLER: No. Competence wins in an
cious activity, complain about potholes,
fit from Waterville's online resources,
incompetent world.
or download an application for a Sewer
such as information about the local Boys
Y-LIFE: If you had Bill Gates on your
Connection and Use Permit. "Our aim
& Girls Club and the Opera House.
sh-
"hat would you ask him?
was to make the [town's official] site as
MOST INTERESTING THING SEEN
1: What the daily interest is on
simple and as clear as possible," says City
ONLINE: "Some of the Web pages that
zillion.
Clerk Mary Herr. "We tried to stay away
the fire department used to create were
É: We're wrapping up this interview
from fancy designs and blinking anima-
a little bright," says Anderson. "They
just before the millennium. By the time this
tions." The result? "There's definitely a
would also put on flashing animated GIFs
appears, we'll have survived Y2K-or not.
group of residents who have embraced
and other 'interesting' features to make
Have you been worried?
the Web site. It has given folks quick
the whole thing mighty hard to look at
MILLER: Nah. If the only people who will
access to what's going on at city hall."
straight on."
Y
survive are those nutsos who
stockpiled guns, Bibles, and a
year's supply of Bosco and
Mrs. T's pierogi, then I think
I'd rather punch out with the
SINCLAIR
cool kids, because if my only
Intimacy Institute
option is sharing some jerky
getchoser. closer.
with Bob Barr and drinking
my own recycled whiz, well,
I'll take my chances at the
Thunderdome, OK? Andl had
a lot of trouble with the idea
of spending a trillion dollars
to solve this thing. What you
"Yes, Yes.
should have done is taken
your computer back to the kid
at Circuit City who sold it to
you and said, "Hey, you stuck
me with a machine with a bro-
The secrets of a
ken clock. Now fixit, asshole."
aren't so secret any in
rse, that's just my
all ontape, Get for
Of
If we're all dead
grown ups.at our video
Free-video with
vhe.
comes out-hey, I
:ept telling you I could be
ettersex com
Y
vrong.
888-267-36,
DAVID WU
COMMITTEES:
1ST DISTRICT, OREGON
EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
EARLY CHILDHOOD, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
510 CANNON BUILDING
EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-3702
SCIENCE
TELEPHONE: (202) 225-0855
TECHNOLOGY
SPACE AND AERONAUTICS
20 SW MAIN STREET
SUITE 606
Congress of the United States
VICE-CHAIR
PORTLAND, OR 97205
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CAUCUS
TELEPHONE: (503) 326-2901
house of Representatives
(800) 422-4003
http://www.house.gov/wu
Ulashington, DC 20515-3701
[email protected]
February 3, 2000
*410566*
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
Thank you for including me in the Digital Divide event you held at Ballou
Senior High School yesterday. I want to follow up on our conversations there and
at your Super Bowl party and extend an official invitation to you to come to Oregon
to review our innovative technology education programs that help bridge the digital
divide. Your New Market tour in April is an ideal opportunity to visit.
In Oregon, Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT) has been a leader
in public/private education partnerships. The program coordinates the donation of
computers and computer components to high schools for upgrade and repair.
StRUT is a collaboration between the Northwest Regional Education Service
District, Intel, and over 300 businesses and individuals. StRUT is a win-win
situation: students gain valuable computer repair skills while supplying local
schools with refurbished equipment.
As you said in your speech at Ballou Senior High School, in addition to
putting computers on students' desks, we also need computer literate teachers who
integrate new technology into our children's curriculum. A major new education
technology initiative was recently announced by Intel, Microsoft and Hewlett-
Packard to train more than 400,000 teachers in computer and information
technology literacy. This effort will include private sector donations of
approximately $500 million.
Intel Corporation, Oregon's largest private sector employer (incidentally,
more Intel employees are located in Oregon than in any other state), is a leader in
this teacher training effort. As an early target state, Oregon will receive at least $7
million from Intel, and more from other public and private sources.
One of your Administration's projects bearing fruit in Oregon is the
partnership between Portland State University, Portland Community College,
444001
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
N10664
Page 2
Flying Rhinoceros (a small software startup), Intel and Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The partnership received $1.2 million from the Department of Education. This
grant helps bilingual teachers integrate information technology into their learning
and teaching.
In Oregon, our public and private efforts empower students and teachers.
They incorporate information technology into learning and teaching, at home and at
school.
Mr. President, on behalf Oregon's students and teachers, I welcome your
visit to our state so that you can review and highlight the worthy public and private
sector efforts which are already bridging the digital divide. Please consider
including a stop in Oregon as part of your New Market tour or at any time your
schedule permits.
With warm regards,
or
David Wu
Member of Congress
Enclosure
Innovative Education Technology Programs
In Oregon
Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT)
StRUT is a high school program where students use donated computers and computer
components and upgrade them for use in schools. As students refurbish the computers,
they learn computer diagnostic and repair skills.
The program was begun in Oregon in 1995 by the Intel Corporation and the Northwest
Regional Education Service District. Intel has donated more than $7 million in used and
surplus computers. More than 300 other Oregon corporations, businesses and private
individuals have also donated hardware and software to the project. Over 10,000
computers have been refurbished and placed in classrooms. The program has expanded
to California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
StRUT was honored by the Education Council of the States as the National Outstanding
Educational Technology Innovation for 1998. The National Council of Professional
Organizers selected StRUT for the Outstanding Community Service Award for 1998.
Teach to the Future
Intel recently announced plans to launch a $100 million technology education program to
train more than 400,000 teachers in 1,000 days in collaboration with Microsoft and
Hewlett-Packard. Oregon will receive $7 million from Intel. The program includes
internet education, web page design, and use of multimedia software. Teachers learn
how, when and where to incorporate technology tools and resources into their lesson
plans, to create assessment tools, and to align lessons with district, state and national
standards. Oregon is a lead state because it has more Intel employees than any other
state.
Teach to the Future is based on the award-winning Applying Computers in Education
(ACE) curriculum developed by the Institute of Computer Technology at Sunnyvale, CA,
in cooperation with Intel, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard. ACE was piloted with 3,200
teachers in nine communities, including several in Oregon, to provide teachers training,
time, equipment, and skills to use technology effectively to improve student learning.
After two years of implementation, evaluation and feedback from ACE, the Institute of
Computer Technology re-wrote and updated the curriculum to create Teach to the Future.
Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology
In August 1999, Portland State University (PSU) in partnership with Portland
Community College, Northwest Regional Education Service District, Northwest Regional
Educational Lab, Flying Rhinoceros, Intel, Oregon Public Broadcasting and Pavtec
Consortium received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education. This grant
helps PSU Graduate Teacher Education Programs and Bilingual Teacher Pathways
Programs assure that pre-service teachers are adequately prepared to use technology as a
teaching tool. These programs emphasize teaching minority and low-income
populations. PSU serves an area that contains half of Oregon's population, including the
vast majority of Oregon's minority population.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
®
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