Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA), the world's leading eBusiness solutions provider, today announced the grand opening of Digital Schoolhouse at its world headquarters. The program, which CA plans to roll out nationally, is designed to help today's youth succeed in an increasingly digital world through interaction with technology as a dynamic educational resource.

The Digital Schoolhouse program will take place in a dedicated, state-of-the-art computer lab/classroom featuring 30 workstations. Classes, to be taught and administered by New York State certified teachers and CA employee volunteers, will provide elementary school students and teachers with hands-on opportunities to integrate personal computers and the Internet with their academic studies.

"Today, more than ever, our children must master technology in order to better communicate and understand the world we live in," said Lisa Mars, CA divisional senior vice president. "We believe Digital Schoolhouse not only will help students grow academically, but also will unite the 'working world' and education and expose students to career possibilities."

The Digital Schoolhouse, which will be open four days a week, is expected to enrich the learning of over 3,000 fifth grade students in its first year of operation. Each Digital Schoolhouse session will feature lesson plans customized to complement the student's current school curriculum.

"Digital Schoolhouse will help facilitate the education of the participating youth and teachers alike while inspiring them to value and understand the tremendous power of technology," said Tami Albert, New York State Certified teacher. "It will also teach them how to fully utilize the Internet as an information gathering and deciphering tool, directly impacting their ability to learn in and out of the classroom," said Heather Burke, New York State Certified teacher.

Recognizing the budgetary constraints that most schools face, CA designed the Digital Schoolhouse program so that it does not cost participating school districts or students anything to attend. In addition to the free training and use of the Digital Schoolhouse facility, CA will provide transportation for the attending classes to and from their respective schools, as well as complimentary lunches provided by Sodexho Marriott Services.

"We are extremely pleased to be one of the initial schools to participate in Digital Schoolhouse because it will heighten our focus on technology and help prepare our students to accept and meet the challenges of today's ever-changing technology," said James A. Ruck, Sachem Central School District, superintendent. "In addition to this remarkable educational opportunity for our students, CA is graciously providing free transportation and lunches for our students, which allows us to more efficiently utilize our budget to expand the breadth of technological enhancements within our schools."

In addition to Sachem, the program's launch in Islandia will include the participation of Suffolk County's Bay Shore, Brentwood, and Central Islip school districts. Eventually, CA plans to invite all Long Island, NY elementary schools to participate in the Digital Schoolhouse and ultimately hopes to roll out the program nationally and internationally.

The Digital Schoolhouse program is administered by the CA Digital Schoolhouse Foundation (DSF), an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For further information about the CA Digital Schoolhouse program, visit www.digitalschoolhouse.org.

Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA), the world's leading business software company, delivers the end-to-end infrastructure to enable eBusiness through innovative technology, services and education. CA has 20,000 employees worldwide and had revenue in excess of $6 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. For more information, visit ca.com.

CA Technologies

CA Technologies

CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) provides IT management solutions that help customers manage and secure complex IT environments to support agile business services. Organizations leverage CA Technologies software and SaaS solutions to accelerate innovation, transform infrastructure and secure data and identities, from the data center to the cloud. Learn more about CA Technologies at ca.com.

About CA Together: CA Technologies is a global corporation with a local commitment. The company works to improve the quality of life in communities where its employees live and work worldwide and is fully committed to advancing social, environmental and economic sustainability. CA Together, the company's Corporate Social Responsibility program, is driven by the core philanthropic focus of improving the lives of underserved children and communities around the world. CA Technologies does this by supporting organizations, programs and initiatives that enrich the lives and well-being of others with a primary focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. CA Together activities encompass employee volunteerism and matching gifts; in-kind donations of CA Technologies products and services; and wide-ranging partnerships and philanthropic support to community organizations worldwide.

More from CA Technologies