1.10.2006 ET

(CSRwire) CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2006--Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL):

The Dell TechKnow program -- an initiative to help underserved students across the United States become more competitive in a global economy -- has graduated more than 10,000 students from 42 school districts, Dell announced here today.

The achievement was celebrated at a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) event that showcased 100 middle school students from the nation's third-largest school district and included Michael Dell, chairman of Dell Inc., congratulating 7th-grader Samantha McGhee, the 10,000th TechKnow program graduate.

"We started Dell TechKnow to help teach underserved students the 21st Century skills they'll need to compete in our digital economy," said Mr. Dell. "Now 10,000 graduates later, this program is a great example of how a global company like Dell can help enable local benefits to customers and communities."

Established in July 2001, Dell TechKnow is a 40-hour after-school program providing underserved middle school students with an opportunity to earn a home computer and learn technology skills that promote self-esteem, academic success and prepare students for opportunities in today's technology-driven world.

"Our students need to become competitive in a global economy and it's our job to help them build a better future," said Arne Duncan, chief executive officer, CPS. "The feedback we've received from students, teachers and family members is that students are building more than computers. They're building their self-confidence and self-esteem."

Since the program began at CPS in 2002, more than 710 students have graduated from 30 schools.

Teachers from CPS middle schools serve as the instructors for the Dell TechKnow program, while the CPS Office of Technology Services/ eLearning works with those teachers and Dell to help ensure a quality experience for both the student and the district. Dell provides the teacher training, curriculum and refurbished systems.

"Dell TechKnow is a great example of the types of innovative programs the Dell and CPS partnership can generate. These programs enhance learning and bring technology equity into our students' classrooms and homes," said Robert Runcie, chief information officer, CPS Office of Technology Services. "Dell TechKnow allows students to take ownership of their work and provides them with not only technical skills, but the incentive to use technology to advance their learning throughout life."

About Dell TechKnow

The Dell TechKnow program is a self-paced course in which students use a free refurbished Dell desktop computer and work in teams for hands-on learning of computer basics. Students learn how to take apart and rebuild a computer, install and use software, upgrade components and diagnose and fix basic hardware problems. Students also learn valuable skills such as teamwork, collaboration and communications.

Upon completion of the program, students take home a refurbished Dell desktop computer loaded with Microsoft(R) software if they also meet attendance requirements, demonstrate good citizenship and sustain or improve their grades. Students receive one year of Internet access at no charge through a nationwide partnership with America Online or a variety of regional service providers.

More information about the Dell TechKnow Program can be found at
www.dell.com/k12/techknow.

About Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Public Schools is the third-largest school system in the U.S. and second-largest employer in Illinois, with 45,000 employees. It has 600 elementary and high schools and more than 437,000 students.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) is a trusted and diversified information technology supplier and partner, and sells a comprehensive portfolio of products and services directly to customers worldwide. Dell, recognized by Fortune magazine as America's most admired company and No. 3 globally, designs, builds and delivers innovative, tailored systems that provide customers with exceptional value. Company revenue for the last four quarters was $54.2 billion. For more information about Dell and its products and services, visit www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.
Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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