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BOROUGH PRESIDENT JOINS IBM AND UNITED WAY IN DONATING HIGH TECH COMPUTERS, GIVING BROOKLYN PRE-SCHOOLERS A HEAD START IN EDUCATION

Pre-schoolers in a local Head Start classroom demonstrated their emerging technology skills today when Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz visited the Bedford Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center, Inc. at 262 Lexington Street to see the agency's new
early-learning technology donated last month through a unique collaboration between IBM and United Way of New York City.

"The sheer size and scope of this program is bringing tremendous value to early learning in Brooklyn," Borough President Markowitz said. "There is nothing more important than ensuring that all of our children receive a first-class education. And it's crucial that the process begin during the pre-school years to start building a solid foundation which can translate into academic achievement in elementary school and beyond. We must make sure that our youngsters are ready to survive and thrive in an increasingly complex world. Brooklyn has some of the most intelligent, creative and innovative minds in America and having access to this award winning technology will help make this a reality for many years to come. All of Brooklyn is grateful to IBM and United Way."

Using colorful new computer centers called Young Explorers, the four-year-olds ran through a series of award-winning software programs that are preparing them for success in elementary school. IBM, in partnership with United Way, donated six of the learning centers to the
Head Start program as part of IBM's KidSmart Early Learning Program.

All told, the IBM/United Way partnership has placed more than 500 Young Explorer computers in nonprofit day care centers throughout New York City over the last four years, with over 115 of the units so far donated to Brooklyn pre-schools.

IBM's KidSmart Early Learning Program includes the Young Explorer computers loaded with software that links directly to the pre-K curriculum. In addition to the computers, teachers also receive training so that they can best integrate the technology into their every-day activities.

"This donation has provided a valuable new resource for teaching and learning in our Head Start classes, particularly for children who do not have access to computers at home," said Ronald Lambe, director of the Bedford Stuyvesant Early Development Center. "The software offers an
opportunity for the children to engage in extended sharing, problem-solving and thinking."

While IBM provides the technology, United Way of New York City selects the nonprofit agencies to receive the computers, arranges for their installation, and trains the teachers.

The Bedford Stuyvesant Head Start program is a 37-year-old federally funded, family focused organization designed to meet the needs of pre-school children and their families. The target population for the center is low-income families living within the boundaries of the Bedford
Stuyvesant community.