Dell Foundation Awards 2006 ‘Connected Community’ Grants to 25 Non-Profit Organizations in Four States

Dell Foundation Awards 2006 ‘Connected Community’ Grants to 25 Non-Profit Organizations in Four States

The Dell Foundation has awarded “Connected Community” grants to 25 organizations in four states — Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and North Carolina — where significant numbers of Dell employees live and work. The two-year, $50,000 grants support basic technology access for Dell’s neighbors, with emphasis on helping underserved children become competitive in the digital economy.

For example, some grants provide Internet access and computers for pre-school and after-school programs. Others include a mobile computer lab to enable children to use Internet resources for their homework, and a Web-based musical education program and chat rooms for schools to enhance learning opportunities.

“By supporting local organizations that are committed to helping people succeed in the digital economy, the Dell Foundation’s Connected Communities grants can enhance the quality of life in communities where the majority of Dell families live and work,” said Lisa Huddleson, manager of the foundation.

The National Center for Education Statistics’ 2003 national survey of households found that two out of three white students use the Internet, but less than half of African-Americans and Hispanics do. The survey also noted that while most schools use the Internet, the gaps in Internet usage between whites and minorities at home is significant.

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