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Telecommunications industry

Tech Giants Pledge $101 Million to Bridge the Digital Divide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T have joined forces to support a program by the United Negro College Fund aimed at improving computer access for students and faculty at its 39 member institutions, historically black colleges and universities. The $101 million pledge includes software, hardware, training, and financial support. According to William H. Gray III, the fund's president, there is a significant gap in computer ownership between American and African-American households, with only 15 percent of UNCF students having access to computers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Negro College Fund has 39 member institutions, historically black colleges and universities, that will benefit from the $101 million program.
  • The program aims to increase computer access among black college students and address a 45 percent gap in computer ownership between American and African-American households.
  • Microsoft pledged $50 million in software, reference, and training materials to support the program.
  • IBM promised to provide equipment and services worth more than $50 million, including a 66 percent discount on IBM PCs for students, faculty, and administrators at member schools.
  • AT&T donated $1 million to help train faculty to use information technology in the classroom.
  • Only 15 percent of the 420,000 students attending United Negro College Fund schools have computers.
  • The 45 percent gap between American households and African-American households that own computers and the 72 percent gap between UNCF students and students nationally who own computers are significant issues that the program aims to address.

Statistics:

  • $101 million: The total value of the pledge made by Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T to support the United Negro College Fund program.
  • $50 million: The value of Microsoft's pledge, which includes software, reference, and training materials.
  • $50 million+: The value of IBM's pledge, which includes equipment and services worth more than $50 million.
  • 66 percent: The discount on IBM PCs for students, faculty, and administrators at member schools.
  • 15 percent: The percentage of students attending United Negro College Fund schools who have computers.
  • 420,000: The number of students attending United Negro College Fund schools.
  • 45 percent: The gap between American households and African-American households that own computers.
  • 72 percent: The gap between UNCF students and students nationally who own computers.

Sources:

  • New York Times (not specified)
  • The Net Online
  • Tribune Media Services (not specified)
  • Runner's World magazine (not specified)

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