News Release

November 5, 2002

Eight computers donated to needy Santa Maria students

The Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council (SMVIEC) and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce teamed up to award eight new computers to needy students in the Santa Maria Valley. The presentations will be made at a Chamber luncheon at ll:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center.

The eight computers were sponsored by the Chamber, C & D Aerospace, the Employers Advisory Council, and Morgan Stanley and the Souza Group.

“We live in an age that is creating a digital divide, separating those who have computer access from those who do not,” explained County Superintendent Bill Cirone, whose office helps coordinate the program. “Anything we can do as a community to bridge that divide, and provide computers and training to those who would otherwise have to go without, will go a long way toward helping students gain the skills they need to be productive adults, consumers, and workers.”

The Computer Connections committee is a joint partnership between the Chamber and the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council.

Further information is available by calling Peggy Greer at 349-0443, ext. 2203.