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Think Detroit Receives $3 Million Donation from Corporate Sponsor e-GM
DETROIT, Mich. - September 13, 2000 - Think Detroit today announced that e-GM, the business-to-consumer Internet unit of General Motors Corp., will donate $3 million to the organization to help it further its mission of providing economically disadvantaged youth with computer and life skills training. Through the 3-year partnership, Think Detroit will be able to expand its program to reach several hundred more children each year.
With this donation, General Motors becomes the organization's largest and lead corporate sponsor, investing in Think Detroit's model of "Neighborhood Networks." The model aims to teach children how to incorporate what they learn through participating in the sports leagues and computer training into all aspects of their lives. They are encouraged to become teachers at home, showing older siblings and parents how to use the computer to create resumes, surf the Internet for job opportunities, housing and health information, and to participate in e-commerce.
"e-GM's investment represents an incredible opportunity for children and families in Detroit," said Mike Tenbusch, Think Detroit's chief executive officer. "GM is leading Detroit's comeback in moving their headquarters to the Renaissance Center, and e-GM is now heklping neighborhoods turn the corner too. This unprecedented partnership is a testament to the commitment of hundreds of volunteers, to the dreams of children, and to the limitless possibilities of technology in forging a better future."
Launched in 1997, Think Detroit uses a combination of sports leagues and computer training to build character and skills among underprivileged children between the ages of 10 and 14.
e-GM's financial support enables Think Detroit to modernize its facilities, recruit and train staff, and add two more computer training labs and six computer recycling centers. By year-enbd, the organization estimates that approximately 200 children will have taken computers home.
"We're extremely pleased to help Think Detroit expand its program in Detroit neighborhoods," said Mark Hogan, president, e-GM. "Think Detroit is a significant organization in our community, and we respect the important work it does in giving kids access to computers and training. e-GM sees true value investing in programs that will help unite parents, caregivers, children and teachers through computers and the Internet."
Making e-GM's donation even stronger is the additional partnerships that will be a component of the three-year investment. Focus:HOPE will be a major facilitator for computer recycling and redeployment and will be one of several service maintenance support centers for members of the network. Additionally, Wayne State University's CULMA (College of Urban, Labor, and Metropolitan Affairs) will receive a research fellowship each of the three years from the e-GM investment to collect, analyze and disseminate findings of the Neighborhood Network enterprise within Detroit's Empowerment Zone. This research will greatly assist the potential of taking Neighborhood Networks to other major cities across the United States.
Think Detroit's 20-hour computer training is designed to provide children with a comprehensive understanding of computers. During the classes, children are taught the fundamentals of computer hardware, software, the Internet and e-mail. Throughout the process, they develop "soft skills," such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork.
Upon completion of the four-week computer class and a "hands-on" test, which includes assembling and disassembling a computer and identifying its components, each student is given a refurbished Pentium-based computer, from those donated by individuals and local companies, to take home and keep. Graduates of the program are encouraged to keep in touch with Think Detroit and teachers on a regular basis via e-mail and discussion boards and to use them as a resource for information and questions.
Think Detroit requires that parents or caregivers attend at least 25 percent of the children's computer training classes. To help keep the family involved and utilizing the technology once the computer goes home, Think Detroit identifies websites that would be relevant for them, among other options. The organization is also working with the local schools to build homework sites that parents can visit to increase connectivity to their child's learning progress.
Think Detroit is a non-profit organization headquartered in Detroit's Empowerment Zone, and was co-founded by Michael Tenbusch and Daniel Varner, classmates at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and University of Michigan Law School. Sports programs and computer classes are held year round.
Think Detroit headquarters are located at 1419 West Warren, across from Wayne State. Its main computer lab is located on the third floor. Neighborhood ball fields and schools provide the space for sporting activities.
e-GM is a business unit of General Motors focused on leveraging the power of the Internet to enhance experiences and relationships with consumers worldwide. Established in August 1999, e-GM also serves as a change agent to drive speed and innovation through the entire organization.
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