IBM provides $2M of Young Explorer computer centers for Hispanic students.

Under a $2 million initiative, IBM is donating 1,000 Young Explorer computer centers to preschool and early childhood programs in areas with populations of 40 percent or more Hispanic as part of the IBM KidSmart Early Learning program. The program includes teacher training and curriculum targeting children between the ages of 4 to 7 years old. The grant is part of an overall effort by IBM to support education within the Hispanic community, the fastest growing part of the U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latino children are more likely to drop out of high school than any other ethnic group in the U.S. Furthermore, Latinos are significantly underrepresented in technical and engineering professions according to the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

The national donation was announced at Ventura Elementary School, one of the 12 elementary schools in the Florida Orange County Public School district receiving the new computers. “All students deserve access to the same resources, yet, we know that some populations face a disparity especially where English may be a second language,” said Lisa Suggs, Principal at Ventura Elementary. “We’re excited to be part of this initiative and deliver high quality teaching resources to all of our children participating in this program.” Orlando is one of 13 regions around the country to receive the computer learning centers. The other areas include Miami, Tampa, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Austin, Minneapolis, Tucson and Yonkers, New York.

“Independent research done in the U.S. as well as countries around the world has shown that the IBM KidSmart program improves teaching and learning especially for those children most in need,” said Stanley Litow, vice president of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs, IBM. “Today, the number of Hispanic students pursuing careers in science, math and technology is extremely low. We know that early childhood education can prepare children to excel in school so that math and science are within their grasp, and all Latino students become potential scientists and engineers, not just the few.”