"I bugged my parents to let me buy my own computer, and finally for my 15th birthday they agreed...I promptly took my new computer apart...I just wanted to see how it worked. My fascination with computers soon developed from a hobby to a business opportunity"
Michael Dell Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

287 middle school students from 12 districts across the United States earned a free Dell desktop computer they refurbished themselves by completing the fall semester of the Dell TechKnow program.

The Dell TechKnow program is a 40-hour, self paced, hands-on course where low-income middle school students work on a free Dell refurbished desktop computer in teams to learn computer basics. Upon completion of the program, students take home the computer if they can demonstrate competencies in taking apart and reassembling the computer, performing basic hardware upgrades, loading and working through software applications and tutorials provided by Microsoft, demonstrating a working knowledge of the Internet and practicing teamwork and collaboration skills. In addition, students sign a contract committing to good school attendance, a demonstrated improvement in grades, and good citizenship.

The Dell TechKnow program enables low-income middle school students to learn technology skills that promote self-esteem and academic success. The program also helps prepare students for opportunities in today's technology-driven world.

Nearly 2,000 students from the following school districts have completed the Dell TechKnow program since July 2001:

• Austin, Texas: Austin Independent School District - 164 students

• Nashville, Tenn.: Metro Nashville Public Schools - 119 students

• Chicago: Chicago Public Schools - 139 students

• Alameda, Calif.: Alameda Unified School District - 75 students

• Atlanta: Atlanta Public Schools - 40 students

• Trenton, N.J.: Trenton Public Schools - 26 students

• Detroit: Detroit Public Schools - 75 students

• Kansas City, Mo.: Kansas City Missouri School District - 28 students

• Laredo, Texas: Laredo Independent School District - 15 students

• Denver: Denver Public Schools - 1,169 students

• Norfolk, Va.: Norfolk Public Schools - 58 students

• Philadelphia: Philadelphia Public Schools - 20 students

"The Dell TechKnow program has the potential to change the life of every child who participates," said Karen Bruett, director of Education and Community Initiatives, Dell Inc. "Imagine how empowering a student feels when they can take a computer apart and successfully put it back together so it works. The feedback we've received from students, teachers and family members is that students are building more than computers, they're building their self-confidence and self-esteem."