Who We Are - Overview

20 March 2002
East County Students To Receive Computers
5th Year for “Computers for Kids” Giveaway

What:
While most students are planning their spring break, 15 middle school students will be breaking in their newly refurbished, fully loaded personal computers. Members of the East County Latino Association will distribute the free computers with software to students who were selected by school lottery. To qualify for the lottery, some 60 young people wrote essays explaining how a computer would help them with their schoolwork. Students must be without a home computer in order to enter. A one-hour, hands-on training follows the giveaway.

Why:

	Students come from low-income families and can’t afford a computer of their own.
	Programs like Computers for Kids increase the chance for academic success.
	Academic success reduces the likelihood that young people will engage in negative behavior such as substance abuse, violence, and gang activity.
	Family members also become involved in the learning process.

When:
Friday, March 22, 2002, 4:00 PM

Where:
Cajon Valley Middle School (Auditorium)
395 Ballantyne, El Cajon

Who:
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students of Cajon Valley Middle School and their families. Invited guests include: Janice Cook, Ph.D., Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District; El Cajon Police Chief Jim Davis; past recipients of Computers for Kids; members of the East County Latino Association.

Background:

	For the last five years, Computers for Kids has given nearly 350 computers to students.
	Used computers are donated to the East County Latino Association by area businesses, government, and community organizations.
	Volunteers for the East County Latino Association fixes the computers for the giveaway.