IBM Donates Early Learning ‘KidSmart’ Computer Centers to Cherokee Nation Head Start Program

IBM Donates Early Learning ‘KidSmart’ Computer Centers to Cherokee Nation Head Start Program

As part of its national public awareness initiative to provide technology access and training to Native People across the United States, IBM today has donated ten Young Explorer computer learning centers to the local Cherokee Nation’s Head Start program. The donation supports the Native American Family Technology Journey program. Much more than hardware, the ten Young Explorers KidSmart kiosks will support learning in literacy and math, helping prepare preschoolers for nearly 700 children enrolled in the Cherokee Nation’s 34 Head Start centers.

IBM’s successful program has been nationally recognized for enriching the quality of learning and teaching as well as providing opportunities for hands-on exploration that will inspire problem solving and creativity. IBM employee volunteers, many of whom are members of the Cherokee and other tribal nations, helped to install the Young Explorers and train teachers and students.

“By addressing the Digital Divide and launching initiatives such as Native American Family Technology Journey and Partnering with IBM in Education (PIE), IBM is striving to weave technology with traditions. The initiatives give young Native People a chance to explore what technology and innovation can mean for their families, in terms of accessing today’s opportunities and preserving the traditions of the past,” said Michele Morningstar, IBM Workforce Diversity Program Manager — Native American constituency. “In donating the Young Explorers to the Cherokee Nation, IBM hopes to provide technology training and tools that will not only encourage educational success but also prepare Cherokee children to take their place among the next generation of innovators, scientists and engineers.”

Read the complete Press Release