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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
October 18, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Dell employees visit the Manchaca Road Branch
Wired for Youth Center as part of Computer Learning Month

October is Computer Learning Month at the Manchaca Road Branch Wired for Youth Center of the Austin Public Library, 5500 Manchaca Road. On Wednesday, October 24, 2001 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., Dell employees will be on hand to talk with teens and parents about computer careers, and to answer questions about potential careers in the computer industry. Sandra Grene, a Project Manager of Supply Chain Management at Dell, will bring three employees from the areas of manufacturing, supply chain management, and logistics to talk about ideas and ways to jump-start young adults' careers. Dell employees will provide helpful hints and recommendations for the development of skills for pursuing a career in the high-tech industry. They also will provide students with various types of job descriptions in the industry, along with information and resources to pursue grants, scholarships, and other government funding for educational opportunities.

"With Crockett High School across the street from the Library, I am creating program opportunities for those students who may be interested in alternative career paths. I would also like to get these young adults thinking about various computer career opportunities by providing access to industry professionals," says Lindsey Schell, Wired for Youth Librarian.

"Dell has been a great partner of the Library and the Wired for Youth Program," says Brenda Branch, Library Director. "This is one more way in which Dell continues to support our efforts and assists APL to be a vital community resource."

Other October classes and programs at the Manchaca Wired for Youth Center include résumé writing, sending pictures in e-mail, and online chats with young-adult authors. Please visit the WFY Web site at http://www.wiredforyouth.com/ for a schedule and additional information.

About the Wired for Youth Centers
Through the Austin Public Library Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Wired for Youth Centers were created with a grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and are staffed by professional youth librarians. The librarians have a high level of expertise in technology, and teach various types of computer skills from Web page development to use of office applications. Wired for Youth Centers (WFY) were designed to help bridge the "digital divide" for youth who are least likely to have access to personal computers and technology. "Children living in the information age will be disadvantaged without easy access to information-age tools for learning. The Internet, like our libraries, opens the door to new worlds and new opportunities for our children," said Susan Dell.

The Austin Public Library System currently has six fully staffed centers. For additional information about the WFY centers or about the Austin Public Library, visit http://www.cityofaustin.org/library/ or call (512) 974-7405.

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