Microsoft, Mayor Thomas Menino team up to power Boston schools with computer donations

Boston - In an effort to strengthen technology access and skills needed in today's schools and workplace, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer today announced a donation of more than 140 computers and accompanying software - worth more than $100,000 - to the John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science. This donation is the kick-off to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's Technology Refresh program, which is expected to provide 5,000 refurbished computers annually to the Boston Public School system. Cleve Killingsworth, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield, will chair a committee of Boston business leaders that will coordinate the computer donations from local corporations.

This donation and city program announcement were made during a special news announcement at O'Bryant High School with Ballmer, Mayor Menino, and Boston Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Michael Contompasis.

"We're very proud to work with Mayor Menino and other corporate partners to provide the technology tools necessary to help our Boston students succeed," said Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer. "By providing O'Bryant High School and the rest of the Boston Public Schools System with the most up-to-date technological and educational resources to uplift their communities, we're aiming to help all Boston citizens realize the power of technology to unlock their potential and transform their lives."

Founded as the Mechanic Arts High School in 1893, the John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science was created following a merge between Boston Technical High School and Mario Umana Technical High School. The school is named for Boston native and education leader John D. O'Bryant, who was educated in the Boston Public Schools System and was a tireless advocate for Boston's young people. Today, O'Bryant High School is a diverse supportive community of learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program integrated with Humanities. O'Bryant High School's college-preparatory exam school enables our students to reach their full potential and become leaders who will shape the direction of society.

Microsoft's donation - more than 140 refurbished computers and more than $100,000 in accompanying software - is already in place at O'Bryant High School, providing technology consistency throughout the building with updated computers in each classroom and the administrative office. Several O'Bryant High School students rebuilt the computers over the summer during a technology education program offered by TechBoston, and was supervised by an O'Bryant High School alum. The donation has also allowed the school to focus on providing additional technology training options for its students, including a machine science lab that allows students to design and build a working robot.

"Microsoft's donation has enabled us to improve our teacher's technology options, helping our school move forward toward our educational vision and empower our students through technology access and training," said Joel Stembridge, headmaster of the John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science. "These are kids who want to learn about technology so they can give back to their community, and that's the magic of this donation - now, they can see how technology can help improve their neighborhoods."

Mayor Menino's Technology Refresh program will replace the Boston Public School's 15,000 computers through donations of two and three year old computers from area corporations. The Technology Refresh program will collect and refurbish 5,000 computers annually. A committee of CEOs reporting to Mayor Menino will develop a network of contributing corporations within several Boston business sectors including financial services, higher education, health care, insurance, banking, legal services and venture capital firms.

"There are over 700,000 computers in downtown Boston offices. Our Technology @ School program will refurbish 5,000 donated computers each year, less than 1% of the total," said Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston. "If we had to buy new computers it would require a $15 million expenditure to refresh all 15,000 school computers. The Technology Refresh program will reduce the cost to a very doable $1.5 million. We appreciate Microsoft's kick-off donation for computers and software at the O'Bryant High School. Microsoft has been a key partner over the past ten years and has contributed millions of dollars in goods and services to our schools, libraries and community centers."

Microsoft takes great pride in its community involvement in Boston. Since 2000, Microsoft has provided more than $37.4 million in cash, software and technology curriculum to organizations throughout the state of Massachusetts, with more than $12 million of those donations directly benefiting Boston organizations. Microsoft donates cash, software and curriculum to community technology centers in 95 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America - and along with the continued development of innovative technologies and partnerships, Microsoft is expected to help broaden digital inclusion and bring the benefits of technology and technology skills training to one quarter of a billion underserved people by 2010. A complete list of recipients can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/overview/uprecipients.asp.

About John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science
Combining a rich history of educational excellence for Boston students, the John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science is a diverse, supportive community of learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics program integrated with studies in humanities. This year, the school celebrates its 10th anniversary as the John D. O'Bryant High School of Mathematics and Science. Over the past decade, the school has refined its mission as a school dedicated to enabling all students to become prepared for college, advanced learning and high-skilled careers. For more information, please visit www.obryant.us.

About the City of Boston and Boston Public Schools
Boston, first incorporated as a town in 1630, and as a city in 1822, is one of America's oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history. As the region's hub, Boston is home to nearly 590,000 residents, many institutions of higher education, some of the world's finest inpatient hospitals, and numerous cultural and professional sports organizations.

The Boston Public Schools was founded in 1647 and is the oldest school system in the country. It serves 58,600 students and employs 8,100 teachers and administrators at 145 schools. The schools are governed by the Boston School Committee which is appointed by Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

About Microsoft Community Affairs
Microsoft and its employees have long recognized the importance of being engaged in supporting communities around the world. Last year the company donated $48 million in cash and $362 million in software to 8,000 nonprofit organizations. While a majority of the company's community investments are made in support of Unlimited Potential, a global program that supports community technology centers in IT skills training, the company also makes software available to improve the use of technology by nonprofit organizations. Microsoft products are available to qualified organizations at http://www.techsoup.org.

More information on Microsoft's community investments can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/unlimitedpotential/.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.