1 Oct 2009
Part of nationwide initiative by IBM to support education in Hispanic communities
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District has received a grant from IBM for 50 Young Explorer computer-learning centers for its preschool programs as part of IBM's KidSmart program.
The grant is part of a $2 million nationwide initiative by IBM to provide 1,000 computer-learning centers and teaching curriculum to schools and nonprofit organizations that provide services to areas with more than 40 percent Hispanic population. The grant comes at the same time that Dallas ISD is beginning a new collaboration with Head Start of Greater Dallas to staff five new pre-K classes at Seagoville Elementary School.
"This is another boost to efforts being made throughout the city to help the students of Dallas ISD," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "Special thanks goes to IBM for stepping up to assist our students."
The grant was presented at a news conference held today at Seagoville Elementary in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month. It further demonstrates IBM's commitment to America's Competitiveness Summit, an IBM-sponsored effort to bring together business, government and education to address the shortage of Hispanic students pursuing technology careers.
"The IBM KidSmart program has proven to be effective in teaching young children concepts in math, science and language as well as the skills they will need to be successful in the classroom," said Terry Steele, Manager, IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs. "Today, the number of Hispanic students pursuing careers in science, math and technology is extremely low. We know that early childhood education can prepare children to excel in school so that math and science are within their grasp, and all Latino students become potential scientists and engineers, not just the few."
In addition to the announcement of the grant, Dallas ISD and Head Start of Greater Dallas are collaborating to provide more pre-K services to students in Seagoville.
"This is an exciting partnership that will better prepare students to be ready for kindergarten," said Tammy Richardson, chair of board of directors of Head Start of Greater Dallas. "Study after study shows that students who have access to quality pre-Kindergarten have a greater opportunity for success during their entire academic career."
IBM's KidSmart program includes the Young Explorer, a computer housed in brightly colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes ™ furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language. The computer centers can also help children learn important socialization skills such as how to work together and sharing. Exploration and socialization skills are important to prepare children for future success in school, help level the playing field and ensure all children have access to educational tools.
The KidSmart program also includes access to the KidSmart Web site http://www.kidsmartearlylearning.org/, which provides helpful information for teachers and parents on early childhood learning and technology. The Web site is also available in Spanish.
Steele added, "At a time when many school programs are facing an education budget crisis, we are extending our program to those communities that often face reduced resources."
IBM developed the KidSmart program more than a decade ago to help reduce the digital divide, especially in urban areas, where it was becoming apparent that children from less affluent backgrounds could benefit from access to specialized technology tools and educational materials to better prepare them to enter school. Since then, more than 100,000 teachers have been trained on how to use the programs effectively in the classroom. IBM estimates that millions of children worldwide have used a KidSmart computer-learning center.