U.S. Tech Corps

[David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

I can not vouch for the authenticity of this but it sounds right. Many of
us have done what is proposed in the past and while often frustrating
sometimes helps.


Dave




TO: All computer professionals
FROM: Gary Beach, Publisher, Computerworld
DATE: June 16, 1994
RE: U.S. Tech Corps


Computerworld, the national computer newspaper, is working with the White
House Office of Science and Technology to develop the U.S. Tech Corps, a
volunteer effort to aid local schools in technology implementation.


As we develop this program, we are seeking comments from a variety computer
technologists, business leaders, and government officials. Our overriding
question is, "Will the 1.9 million U.S. computer professionals respond to
this effort?"


I hope you'll take a moment or two to read the following statement. Then, send
me your comments about how the U.S. Tech Corps can be made to work for the
future of our public schools.


Thanks very much.


Gary J. Beach
Publisher
Computerworld
ustech () cw com


Anyone who has written code, maintained a network, or planned a company
information system knows that implementation is everything. Surprisingly, so
do thousands of U.S. school teachers and administrators.


Throughout the U.S., our schools say that a shortage of technical talent is
their largest obstacle in moving the "information superhighway" from vision to
reality. Their tight budgets and a dire shortage of technical skills stand in
the way of implementing technology where it is most needed: the local
classroom.


A solution may be in sight.


Computerworld, the national newspaper of information systems management, is
working jointly with the White House Office of Science and Technology to
develop the U.S. Tech Corp.


Modeled on the U.S. Peace Corps, the U.S. Tech Corps will rally the talents
and skills of more than 1.9 million computer professionals to assist public
schools in planning and implementing information technology. Through
contributions of their time and expertise, these volunteers will play an
integral and crucial role in building local roads to the national information
superhighway. Even an hour a week of discussion and planning can help your
local school.


The U.S. Tech Corps will be operated with assistance from the White House, the
National Education Association, and the National Association of School
Administrators. Volunteers will receive a U.S. Tech Corps certificate signed
by the President, as well as local recognition. Of course, the greatest reward
may be the satisfaction gained from contributing your valuable skills to the
future of our school children.


[Action Items: What else is needed? Do you think that your fellow computer
professionals will respond favorably or unfavorably to this proposal? How
might the U.S. Tech Corp be made to work?]


I look forward to receiving your comments at ustech () cw com.