Dell Commits Nearly $3 Million to Expand YouthConnect Program To Help Underserved Communities in the U.S.

Dell today announced a nearly $3 million investment to expand its global giving program YouthConnect in the U.S., naming 24 organizations as Dell YouthConnect recipients. More than 20,000 young people in Texas, Washington, California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Georgia and Florida will soon have access to state-of-the-art technology.

Dell YouthConnect helps to bridge the gap between the technology "haves” and the "have-nots” by placing Dell technology into underserved communities and working with non-profit organizations to teach information and technology skills. Non-profit organizations are best positioned to understand the unique educational needs of their communities. Dell listens to these organizations and partners with them to provide the latest Dell technology, financial resources and expertise to help bridge learning and technology gaps.

Dell is providing grants to organizations that not only aim to prepare youth for success through the development of information and communication technology (ICT) skills, but also focus on underserved populations. Below is a sampling of projects supported by Dell:

• The African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation (AAMBHF) is a unique organization designed to bring together successful African American adults as mentors and role models to African American students. Community members lacking access to broadband and computer equipment will be able to use this wealth of technology to conduct Internet research, pursue employment opportunities, complete college applications, and participate in learning opportunities to develop information, communication and technology skills.
• Girl Scout USA will focus on its national leadership journey program and expert training in leadership and technology and skill-building experiences. Dell YouthConnect will help girl scouts gain critical thinking and problem solving skills for girls in grades 4-12. The participating councils include Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, Girl Scouts of Northern California, and Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma.
• Through its project Green Teens, Keep Austin Beautiful provides environmental education, and inspires environmental stewardship and youth leadership in underserved Austin neighborhoods. Dell Streak 7 Tablets will be used to engage students in creativity skill development by taking photos of the activities and commenting on the photos in blogs. The tablets will also be used to promote critical thinking skills such as indexing, mapping, and tracking results for invasive plant removals, cleanups, and water quality testing.
• Genesys Works helps transform underprivileged youth by providing them the knowledge and work experience required to succeed as information technology professionals. Upon completion of the Dell YouthConnect program, Genesys Works' graduates are armed with valuable skills, relevant work experience, and the drive to succeed in our technological society.

After expanding Dell YouthConnect in Panama in early September, the United States is now the 10th country where Dell is partnering with non-profit organizations. The U.S. commitment is the largest investment Dell has made to support Dell YouthConnect partners in a country.

For an overview of each charity, visit www.dell.com/youthconnect.

Quotes

Trisa Thompson, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Dell: "Every child should have an opportunity to develop his or her potential through technology access. Our investment of nearly $3 million through these 24 organizations reflects our belief that non-profit organizations can best identify and respond to the unique technology needs of their communities. We know that we can change the lives of children who participate.”

Mark Horan, vice president, State and Local Government & Education Services and chair, US Giving Council: "Today, technology is as essential to education as a pencil and paper once were. When students have access to the right technologies and tools, they are able to master the skills they need for success in school, work – and in life tomorrow. Dell is energized by young people’s passion to learn and we seek to be as responsive as possible to all those who have a role in the education process. That’s why Dell YouthConnect is a great complement to our educational business priorities.”

Mark Kiester, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Austin: "The Dell YouthConnect program will allow the Boys & Girls Club of Austin to significantly deepen its impact in helping our 10,000-plus members become successful citizens of our communities by providing them with the academic and technology skills required to pursue a college education or move directly with the 21st century work force.”

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