Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009
Media Contacts
Jessica Higdon
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
E-mail: [email protected]
Office: 317-327-3649
Cell: 317-281-5817
Mayor proclaims March 11, 2009 ‘Intel Day’
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard today joined Net Literacy Student Chair and high school senior Will Petrovic as they recognized Intel for it’s active civic engagement in promoting computer access, computer literacy, Internet safety and community service.
“Technology can provide great educational opportunities for our children, and the work of Intel through Net Literacy maximizes those opportunities,” said Mayor Ballard. “I applaud their commitment to promoting computer literacy and encouraging others to follow their lead by bringing new technologies to the classroom.”
Today, Intel through its local digital inclusion nonprofit partner Net Literacy, donated its 225th refurbished computer to Washington Irving School, IPS No. 14. The donated computers are being used in the classrooms, and the school is also providing computers to students for use in their homes.
Intel’s support of Net Literacy has enabled student volunteers to seek donations of hundreds of computers for other local elementary schools and has enabled Arlington High School and Decatur Central High School students to produce a series of Internet safety television videos that will be available to parents and students throughout the state.
“One of the greatest challenges facing education and industry is how to harness the power of technology, put it to work, and do it at a cost that already strained budgets can afford,” said Scott Harrison, Director of Government, Education, and Medical Enterprise Solution Sales for Intel. “Through our efforts with companies and organizations, like Net Literacy, local communities and school districts now have the ability to deliver the technology solutions teachers, students, and parents need most.”
The program not only benefits the students by providing computer technology to the classroom, but also opens up volunteer opportunities for them to get involved with other programs Intel and Net Literacy have to offer.
“We are grateful that Intel contacted us and shares our passion about digital inclusion,” said Petrovic. “Intel is not only a socially responsible organization that sets a great example for our student volunteers; it’s a company that has a big heart.”
About Net Literacy
Net Literacy is a student-managed nonprofit that promotes youth philanthropy through a series of community outreach programs. The company’s mission is to increase computer access, computer and Internet literacy, and Internet safety awareness while providing students life skills, job skills, and an opportunity to serve their community.
Net Literacy was founded in 2003 by middle school students and has an equal number of youth and adult board members. Net Literacy has increased computer access to over 110,000 individuals in four states. U.S. Senators Richard G. Lugar and Evan Bayh serve as honorary board members. Over 1000 students across the state have served as volunteers. To learn more about Net Literacy’s programs, visit www.netliteracy.org.
