School Joins Drive for Computer Donations

Sepulveda Middle School has become the latest San Fernando Valley school to join the 1996-97 Computers for Schools Program Matching Challenge.

The challenge, sponsored by the private, charitable Detweiler Foundation, awards one free computer for every two computers donated by individuals or businesses of fewer than 100 employees. Large companies, including IBM, Pacific Bell, Intel and Bank of America, have pledged to provide computers to match the locally donated computers.

The school, like the dozens of others in the Valley enrolled in the program, hopes to fill every classroom with donated equipment.

“Computers are critically needed to bring learning environments into the modern age, and donations are the only way schools can obtain computers in adequate numbers,” said Diana Detweilerexecutive director of the foundation’s computer program.

A statement from the school said the computers would be used for teaching word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, databases and curriculum-specific applications. School officials said California schools rank 45th in the nation in the number of students per computer.

Sepulveda Middle School will send students home with fliers soliciting donations of computers, software or printers. Technical volunteers also are needed.

To donate equipment or to volunteer, call Jim Snodgrass at (818) 892-3151 or the Computers for Schools Program at (619) 456-9045.