Newswise — UNC Charlotte's College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) today announced a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte. Staff and students from the College will help install computers for new Habitat homeowners as well as conduct introductory classes in computing on the UNC Charlotte campus for those receiving the new computers.
AT&T and its charitable arm, the AT&T Foundation, have collaborated with One Economy, a global nonprofit that works to maximize the potential of technology to help low-income people improve their lives and enter the economic mainstream, to provide technology packages, including high-speed Internet access. By 2009, the AT&T/One Economy program will have delivered technology packages to 50,000 households nationwide. One Economy also has developed a local multilingual, self-help Web portal called the North Carolina Beehive (www.beehive.org), so those receiving the new Dell computers will have access to information that impacts their daily lives.
"This is a perfect fit for our staff and students," said Mirsad Hadzikadic, Ph.D., dean of the College of Computing and Informatics. "To be able to reach out into the community for such a great cause and help in the effort to bridge the digital divide for low-income families is very heartwarming. I would personally like to thank those at Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte for allowing us to participate in this program."
Students and staff from the College of Computing and Informatics will help install computers in several homes in the Charlotte area tomorrow, Dec. 1. A four-hour introduction to computing class will be conducted in Woodward Hall on the UNC Charlotte campus for those who have received the new Dell computers, Saturday, Dec. 8. Topics will include: what's inside a computer, simple tips for using Microsoft Office, and how to safely access the Internet and obtain useful information.
"These computers will give Habitat families a great opportunity to further their children's education, especially their understanding of computers, which is so important in today's society," said Bert Green, executive director of Habitat Charlotte. "I think we can expect to see better grades in Habitat homes because of this extraordinary community partnership between UNC Charlotte's College of Computing and Informatics, One Economy and AT&T."
About the College of Computing and Informatics
The College of Computing and Informatics provides academic programs in computer science, software and information systems, information technology, and bioinformatics. It is also the home to leading research centers and institutes, including the Bioinformatics Research Center, the Charlotte Visualization Center, the Diversity in Information Technology Institute, the Information Security and Assurance Center, the eBusiness Technology Institute, and the Software Solutions Lab.
About UNC Charlotte A public research university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest campus among the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina system. It is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. The university offers 18 doctoral programs, 61 master's degree programs and 89 programs leading to bachelor's degrees. Fall 2007 enrollment exceeds 22,300 students, including 4,800 graduate students.
About Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte
Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte is an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1983 and has built over 750 homes. www.habtiatcharlotte.org
About One Economy
One Economy Corporation is a global nonprofit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people, connecting them to valuable tools for building better lives and entering the economic mainstream. We help bring broadband into the homes of low-income people, employ youth to train their community members to use technology effectively, and create socially responsible media properties that offer a wealth of information on education, jobs, health care and other vital issues. Visit www.one-economy.com for more information.
About the AT&T Foundation
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
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