IBM, United Way Offer National Early Learning Program to North Carolina Children
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (October 27, 1999) – Today IBM® announced an early learning program designed to help thousands of preschool-aged children with limited access to educational technology get a head start on their academic development.
The initiative, called the “KidSmart Early Learning Program,” debuts today when IBM, in collaboration with United Way, unveils 94 colorful Young Explorer Early Learning Centers to the 35 local childcare centers in the Triangle and the Charlotte Metro areas. A total of eighty-two machines are now at the 29 Triangle area centers and 12 machines are now in six Charlotte area childcare centers.
The North Carolina program is part of a sweeping national KidSmart program taking place in 44 states with a total of 1,000 Young Explorers donated to over 400 not-for-profit childcare centers and preschools. In total, KidSmart will offer more than 250,000 children nationwide the opportunity to explore, discover and solve problems using computer and software technology.
“Research evidence clearly shows that high-quality early learning programs, with strong teacher training, can yield long-term gains in student achievement,” said David Benevides, IBM Regional Director, Corporate Community Relations and Public Affairs. “With this program, IBM provides an important opportunity to our youngest learners, who are instinctively drawn to technology as a source of education and fun.”
The IBM KidSmart program includes the Young Explorer Early Learning Centers, which feature award-winning children’s software and technology from Edmark and IBM, enclosed in colorful play stations manufactured by Little Tikes.
IBM collaborated with United Way to select the specific childcare centers for participation, as well as the number of Young Explorers donated to each site. The guidelines established for the program are based on one Young Explorer for every ten children in the nonprofit agencies.
“United Way is proud to collaborate with IBM on an extraordinary program that will give thousands of children a hands-on experience with technology and effectively increase their opportunities for success as they begin elementary school,” said Tom Dugard, President of the Triangle United Way. “It’s particularly gratifying that children in United Way agencies across Durham, Orange and Wake counties benefit from these educational and fun computers, designed to support their learning.”
According to a recent report released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide, the gap that exists in the U.S. is widening over time. The report says that until every home can afford access to information resources, public and private initiatives are needed to expand access.
Source: IBM