Dell and AOL to Expand TechKnow

Expanding Dell TechKnow with AOL to Empower Middle‑School Students

In a bold move to bridge the digital divide, Dell Technologies has partnered with America Online (AOL) to broaden the reach of its Dell TechKnow initiative. This collaboration not only boosts the number of students who can gain hands‑on computer experience but also delivers a free computer and a full year of no‑cost Internet access to every graduate of the program. By marrying Dell’s technology expertise with AOL’s leading online safety and education tools, the partnership aims to equip a new generation of learners with the practical skills and secure connectivity needed to thrive in the 21st century.

The Dell TechKnow program, which began three years ago, offers a 40‑hour after‑school curriculum that covers everything from building and repairing computers to installing software and troubleshooting hardware. When students complete the course, they receive a Dell desktop and a one‑year subscription to AOL’s free Internet service, allowing them to practice the skills they learned at home and stay connected to educational resources. With the addition of AOL, the program now includes the “AOL@School Safe Surfin” suite - interactive lessons and safety guidelines that teach kids how to browse responsibly and protect themselves online. The integration of these safety materials into the TechKnow syllabus underscores the importance of teaching digital citizenship alongside technical proficiency.

Jonathan Miller, AOL’s Chairman and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Dell and AOL share a commitment to education. By combining technology access with Internet connectivity, we create a powerful learning tool that motivates student success and strengthens the home‑school connection.” Miller emphasized that AOL’s experience with free‑to‑schools products - such as AOL@School, AOL Homework Help, and research tools - has shown that students equipped with modern digital skills open themselves to new opportunities. “Preparing students for the demands of today’s world is essential,” he added.

From a corporate perspective, Dell’s leadership sees the program as a concrete way to improve lives. Michael Dell, Chairman of Dell Inc., highlighted the rapid growth of TechKnow: “The program’s expansion underscores the power of community partnerships to equip our youth for success in the 21st century.” He noted that the partnership with AOL aligns with Dell’s mission to provide meaningful learning opportunities and elevate quality of life for children and families across the country.

Statistically, the collaboration has already begun to make an impact. In the 2004‑2005 academic year, the program expects to serve 5,000 students - a 60 percent increase over the previous year. Since its launch in July 2001, TechKnow has engaged 3,000 students from 21 school districts and 78 schools nationwide. The addition of AOL’s services is projected to amplify this reach, offering safe, reliable Internet access that enables students to complete homework, explore research projects, and connect with mentors. Many participants have become informal tech coaches for their families, passing on essential skills that help bridge the digital gap in low‑income households.

Beyond the classroom, the program’s impact resonates with parents and educators alike. Parents report that their children’s newfound confidence with technology translates into improved academic performance and increased curiosity about STEM subjects. Educators appreciate the program’s hands‑on approach, which reinforces concepts taught in core courses and demonstrates real‑world applications of digital tools. The partnership also encourages local businesses and community organizations to support the program, creating a network of resources that benefits students long after they leave TechKnow.

The list of participating districts for the upcoming year reflects the program’s national reach and diverse demographic representation. Communities ranging from Alameda, California, to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, have joined the initiative. Additional districts include Baltimore, Maryland; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Denver, Colorado; Fort Worth, Texas; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; New York City, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; Norfolk, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. The geographic spread demonstrates how the partnership can adapt to varied local needs while maintaining a consistent, high‑quality curriculum.

A key component of the program’s success lies in its holistic approach: technical training, internet safety education, and community engagement all feed into a single, cohesive experience. Students learn to disassemble a computer, identify faulty components, and reassemble the machine with proper safety protocols. They then install operating systems, configure network settings, and run diagnostics - all under the guidance of experienced instructors. As they apply these skills to real‑world scenarios, students gain confidence and problem‑solving abilities that translate to other areas of study and everyday life.

Moreover, the provision of a free year of Internet access ensures that learning continues beyond the classroom. Students can explore educational platforms, research assignments, and interactive learning modules that would otherwise be out of reach for many families. By removing cost barriers, the partnership helps level the playing field and empowers students to pursue their academic goals with greater autonomy.

Looking ahead, Dell and AOL plan to monitor program outcomes closely, gathering data on student performance, digital literacy gains, and community impact. This data will guide future iterations of the curriculum and inform potential expansions to other age groups or regions. The partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can collaborate with educational initiatives to create scalable solutions that address both technology access and digital competence.

In summary, the Dell‑AOL alliance represents a significant stride toward bridging the digital divide for middle‑school students. By combining Dell’s robust technology infrastructure with AOL’s proven online safety and educational resources, the expanded TechKnow program offers students a comprehensive learning experience that prepares them for academic success, fosters digital literacy, and connects families to the broader educational ecosystem.