For Immediate Release

Nation’s 10.4 Million IT Workers Urged to

“Head Back to School” This Fall

MAYNARD, Mass. – August 20, 2001– This fall, the nation’s 10.4 million IT workers, from computer programmers to networking engineers, are urged to head back to K through 12 classrooms – not for retraining in the ‘3 R’s,’ but instead to share their passions, knowledge and skills in helping schools use today’s technologies to cross the ‘Digital Divide’.

“Dramatic strides have been made in introducing technology into our schools.  But to fully advance equal access to technology, technological resources, and skills development for students across America, we must unite our nation’s IT workers and corporate resources together with local school planners, administrators, and teachers,” said Karen Smith, executive director of TECH CORPS®.  “TECH CORPS helps people give back by sharing their time and talents – like a modern day Peace Corps, but now we’re mobilizing technology volunteers for schools in the United States,” she explained.

“Depending on the specific needs of local schools, TECH CORPS volunteers conduct teacher training seminars; mentor students and staff; repair and install computers; participate on technology planning teams; work side-by-side with teachers in the classroom; assist teachers with the integration of technology into the curriculum; and support a wide variety of other local technology activities,” she said. 

For instance, in Wisconsin and Georgia, volunteers refurbish donated equipment, then provide the equipment and teacher training to the schools; in California, volunteers provide career mentoring and help students and teachers produce daily news programs; in Ohio, volunteers partner with teachers and students to train Student Technology Assistants, create websites and enhance curriculum with technology tools; and in Michigan, volunteers train schools to build and sustain partnerships with local businesses and community groups.

The value added by IT volunteers is not lost on teachers or administrators, such as J.R. Meadows Elementary School (San Jose, CA) Vice Principal Mary McCann, who says, “Our TECH CORPS volunteer’s teacher trainings have proven to be invaluable. Teachers have reported that they immediately apply the skills they acquire.”

According to Smith, “Volunteers also directly benefit from TECH CORPS – gaining opportunities to expand their horizons by developing and practicing their leadership and management skills, by networking with other IT professionals, and by participating in special training/education sessions available only to TECH CORPS volunteers.”

Currently, there are some 6,000 TECH CORPS volunteers at work in over two dozen states.  “But more volunteers and resources are needed every day, in every school,” Smith said.  IT professionals interested in volunteer opportunities are urged to visit TECH CORPS at www.techcorps.org, call 978-897-8282, e-mail info@techcorps.org, or write TECH CORPS, Two Clock Tower Place, Suite 230, Maynard, MA 01754.

About TECH CORPS