SOCIAL SECURITY

Today the Social Security Administration launched its year 2000 "Computers for Kids" campaign by donating 6,000 surplus computers to Baltimore City Schools. Social Security Commissioner Kenneth S. Apfel presented the computers to Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley at a ceremony held this afternoon at the National Press Club.

"SSA is proud to partner with Baltimore City in their commitment to putting technology within children's reach," said Commissioner Apfel. "We're proud to be part of this effort linking Baltimore classrooms to the world."

"This gift from the Social Security Administration moves us toward our goal of having each Baltimore City classroom wired to the web - significantly - in miles, not inches," said Mayor O'Malley. "And we will make sure your generosity is redeemed through the opportunities that will be opened to our children."

The donation is the kickoff of the latest phase of SSA's "Computers for Kids" campaign. During the next 5 months, SSA will donate over 30,000 surplus Pentium I and Pentium II computers and equipment to public schools and educationally related non-profit institutions nationwide. The campaign is part of SSA's continued efforts on behalf of President Clinton's commitment to making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom in America.

SSA began their "Computers for Kids" program in December 1997. Since that time the Agency has donated 1,500 surplus computers to schools within the State of Maryland and over 7,500 surplus computers to schools nationwide. SSA's "Computers for Kids" program was started in response to President Clinton's Executive Order (EO) 12999, Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century. EO 12999 directs Federal Agencies to the extent permitted by law, and where appropriate to donate educationally useful surplus computer equipment, including peripheral equipment and software, to public schools and educationally related non-profit institutions, including community based educational organizations.

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