Press Releases

Volunteers from IBM helping unload the Young Explorers
delivery at the United Way office.

IBM and United Way Expand Partnership To Bring Computer Learning to Children Without Access

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ, November 22, 2006- Start smart. Get kids excited about technology, science and math, and reading and writing. Make learning fun. That is the motivation behind the partnership between IBM and Bergen County’s United Way.

With a donation from IBM of over $80,000 in Young Explorer KidSmart kiosks, Bergen County’s United Way is introducing pre-school children to computer learning. Many of the children are from families without the resources to provide computer access.

On Monday, November 13th, teams of employees from IBM and Bergen County’s United Way unloaded the computer stations which were distributed to child care centers throughout the county who demonstrated need and strategies to insert the learning centers into the classroom experience. This year’s donations double that of previous years. Recipients included the YWCA of Bergen County, Bergen County Community Action Partnership, Bergen Family Center, Children’s Aid and Family Services, and West Bergen Mental Health Center.

“Hundreds of local children will have the tools they need to start elementary school prepared to achieve,” said Martin Laird, Corporate Community Relations Director for IBM. “They will be able to learn and play on child friendly computers.”

The brightly colored computers are specifically designed for young children and feature a keyboard developed for small hands, along with a variety of educational software that makes learning how to use the computer fun. The Young Explorer kiosks are produced by IBM and the Little Tikes toy company, a division of Rubbermaid.

“This is an investment in the future,” said Tom Toronto, President of Bergen County’s United Way. “We’re introducing technology to children at a key stage in their development. Their experience with a Young Explorers computer will have a profound and lasting impact throughout their formal education. Early childhood development is key to later success in school and life.”

Besides assisting children with their learning skills, the program also trains teachers for the use of the Young Explorer units. Cheryl Moses, Bergen County United Way’s Director of Community Services will provide instruction to increase the effectiveness of the program.

“We are enriching the quality of learning and teaching and we are providing opportunities for hands-on exploration that inspires problem-solving and creativity,” said Ms. Moses. “I can’t wait to get started!” Over 500 Young Explorer units valued at over $1 million dollars have already been donated to child care centers as a result of the IBM/United Way partnership, reaching close to 15,000 children annually.

Bergen County’s United Way is how our community uses its head, and its heart to lend people a hand. The organization is helping in direct and vital ways and is making getting help easier. A call to the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline makes the simple but critical connection to help 24 hours a day, everyday, wherever it is needed.