Social Security Donates Surplus Computers

In response to President Clinton's commitment to making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom in America, the Social Security Administration (SSA) today donated over 600 surplus computers to schools across the USA to kick-off their "Computers for Kids" program. This nationwide effort will ultimately result in SSA donating over 10,000 surplus computers and related equipment to public school systems around the country over the next three years.

Social Security Commissioner Kenneth Apfel launched SSA's "Computers for Kids" program today by presenting 40 computers to the Stanton Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Joining Commissioner Apfel at today's ceremony were Norma Cantu, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Department of Education, General J. W. Becton Jr., CEO of the District of Columbia Schools and several other distinguished guests.

"The children in America's schools today will be tomorrow's leaders as our nation strives to remain the leader in a global marketplace," Apfel said. "If we are to maintain that competitive edge, our workforce must be equipped with the knowledge, the skills, and the tools that today's educational experience must provide. This equipment will help prepare our kids for the world of tomorrow, and will help them to become comfortable and proficient with technology."

SSA is involved in a number of agency-sponsored programs aimed at helping America's youth acquire the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. The agency and its employees are currently working on a number of "Adopt-A-School" programs in local school districts around the country. And SSA has recently completed a "School Supply" drive, collecting and distributing tens of thousands of basic school supplies to children in need.

At today's kick off ceremony, SSA also unveiled its new "Youthlink" homepage on the Internet. "Youthlink" provides materials for children to use to learn about Social Security. It consists of the Social Security Kids Page for children 6 to 12, and the Teens Page for teenagers. It also includes a Parents' Page and a Teachers' Page.

"Youthlink" was developed in response to a Presidential directive requesting that all federal agencies develop more Internet-based educational materials for students, parents and teachers.

"Youthlink" can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/kids. Since the site first went online on October 31, it has been averaging 508 hits a day.

Note: Copies of most SSA press releases, as well as other Social Security information and statistics, are available at SSA's Internet site, Social Security Online, at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/.