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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2004

SCHUMER BRINGS IBM EXEC TO EDWARD WILLIAMS SCHOOL IN EFFORT TO START TO UPGRADE SCHOOL'S TECHNOLOGY

Mount Vernon school library's collection is outdated, lacks modern computer technology; Senator persuaded IBM Executive Stanley Litow to come to school and assess its needs to see how IBM can help

Schumer: To fix our schools requires more than words and theory; Students need current technology, updated books to hone skills and make it in today’s world

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today brought a top IBM executive to tour the Edward Williams Elementary School to see what computer and technology needs the school has and how IBM can help fill them. Schumer and Stanley S. Litow, President of the IBM International Foundation, today toured the school library, met with teachers and administrators, and spoke with sixth grade students.

“The bottom line is that to fix our schools we need more than just words, more than just standards, and more than just theory,“ Schumer said. “We need to provide our children with current technology, updated books, and the materials they need to hone their skills and make it in today’s world. When Principal Gregg said that the school library was way behind in terms of equipment and supplies, I spoke to the folks at IBM about it. The fact that Mr. Litow is here with me today means that they are taking this seriously. I hope they’ll be able to help the Williams School because it really is deserving.”

The vast majority of students attending Edward Williams in Mount Vernon come from low income households, with 90 percent on free lunches and nearly 10 percent living in homeless shelters. The library has no card catalog and most books are several decades old. After a recent report about the lack of current books in the school's library, Schumer called Principal Ernest Gregg this week and asked how he could help. Principal Gregg said that while offers of books were pouring in, the school still desperately needs modern computer technology. Schumer met with IBM executives in Washington, DC Thursday and asked IBM to come to the school, assess its needs, and donate equipment that would fill those needs.

Schumer and Litow, who is also IBM corporate vice president of community relations, today visited the library, met with staff, and talked with students. Over the last ten years, IBM has been one of the largest corporate contributors of cash, equipment, and people to schools in the US. The company has several philanthropy programs that support initiatives in education to benefit communities in need. Specifically IBM provides grant recipients with technology, project funds, and employee time and talent. For more information, please visit http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ibmgives/grant/education.

Schumer and Litow, the former Deputy Chancellor of the New York City school system, were joined today by Superintendent Brenda Smith of the Mount Vernon City School District, Principal Ernest Gregg of the Edward Williams Elementary School, and Mt. Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis.

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