August 1996
Send a Computer to School
on't dump those pre-Pentium clunker computers, that's an Executive Order! In April, President Clinton ordered agencies to donate their computer castoffs to public schools and nonprofit groups.
Agencies can donate surplus equipment directly to schools or let the General Services Administration handle the handoffs. The transfers are supposed to cost schools nothing or next to nothing, so agencies are encouraged to advertise available equipment in newspapers and via the Internet. In addition, agencies are supposed to let their computer experts help schools link up with the National Information Infrastructure, instruct teachers in computer use and help maintain donated federal equipment in schools.
The Office of Personnel Management already has been doing its part. In June, OPM reported that since December 1995, it had transferred some 650 pieces of surplus computers and office equipment to Washington schools. About 100 more surplus computers were t o be shipped this summer. OPM's contributions are part of a coordinated effort by federal agencies to aid the District of Columbia in addressing its fiscal crisis.
The Clinton computer donation order is part of an Administration campaign to make all U.S. children technologically literate by the beginning of the 21st century.
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