6.08.2000 ET

(CSRwire) Dell, a world leader in Internet commerce and in helping customers build businesses on the Web, today announced a new community initiative to help better prepare Central Texas youths for a future in the Internet economy.

Last year, Internet-related jobs grew 68 percent in the United States to account for 2.3 million new jobs, according to the University of Texas Center for Electronic Commerce. As businesses continue to transition to and build their businesses on the Web, demand for tech savvy employees will rise dramatically -- becoming a competitive issue for businesses of all sizes and across sectors.

In contrast, a Dell-commissioned study of the Internet-proficiency of Central Texas youths showed the majority of local students are not as Internet-ready as expected for youth living in one of the "Most Wired Communities in America" according to Yahoo! Internet Life Magazine. Local students scored on par with a national random sample, answering fewer than half of the survey questions correctly. Additionally, the survey concluded that of the students who regularly access the Internet, the majority do so at home with their parents, leaving parts of the community without home-based access at a disadvantage.

To address the gap between the overall Internet-readiness of area children and the long-term workforce needs of Dell and its customers, the company unveiled plans for a comprehensive community program that focuses on preparing students for the opportunities that exist in a world driven by technology. The program addresses the basic education, health and human service needs of its neighbors as well as the need for additional and targeted access to technology and computer training.

"As Dell helps its customers leverage the advantages of the Internet, we must also help our kids take advantage of the many opportunities that transition creates," said Tom Green, senior vice president and general counsel of Dell and chairman of the Dell Foundation. "We believe Internet and community leadership go hand in hand, and that we must equip our young people for the digital economy, just as we are equipping our customers."

Recognizing that nutrition, healthcare and literacy are prerequisites to education and technical literacy, Dell's program takes a building blocks approach to community support. The new initiative addresses the fundamental health and human services requirements of the communities where Dell operates, recognizing that these needs must be met before people and children can learn, work, play or prepare for success in the Information Age.

It also focuses heavily on the need for quality education -- particularly in the areas of math and science -- and the integration of technology into traditional classroom settings.

Dell and the Dell Foundation will fund student education and after-school enrichment, teacher technology training and technology access programs in Central Texas and Middle Tennessee -- the company's principal locations. Over the next 12 months, Dell will support community-based educational programs and award grants to teachers who integrate technology and the Internet into their everyday instruction through an innovative program called Classroom Connections.

Dell is also providing funding for long-term research projects through the University of Texas that study Internet use in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods; electronic mentoring and volunteer opportunities for Dell employees; and lastly, Internet training for classroom teachers.

"Dell is helping address some of the critical social equity issues that are dominating parts of our community," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. "Kids living in the 'Most Wired City in America' should not miss out on the opportunities that exist in one of the fastest-growing technology economies in the country."

The program announcement was made at the Carver Public Library in east Austin, a recent recipient of a Dell equipment grant and one of the libraries selected by Michael and Susan Dell to receive Wired for Youth technology funding -- a Dell family initiative through the Austin Public Library Foundation to get current technologies into the city's underserved communities.

"Libraries like Carver are an excellent resource for families and kids to access technology and the Internet, particularly for families who don't have access at home," said Green. "Libraries and other community-based technology resources are good examples of the kinds of programs we will support because of their ability to take state-of-the-art technologies and training into neighborhoods that need them."

Technology access is one of three major focuses of the new Dell initiative, along with basic health and human services and education, said Green.

Additionally, the company announced a new effort to facilitate employee volunteerism using the Internet. A new online tool will match Dell employees and nonprofit organizations from around the world. For more information about Dell's new community initiative or to submit an online funding request, visit www.dell.com/us/en/gen/corporate/vision_000_initiatives.htm .

About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL) is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $27 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500, No. 210 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 3 on the Fortune "most admired" lists of companies. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.dell.com.