Win/Win Proposition: ‘Computers for Learning’ Program

By Frank Mierzejewski

How is it that school children in the Southern NJ area become direct beneficiaries of the work being performed at the Technical Center? Well, thanks to Executive Order 12999 and the hard work of two Tech Center employees, Paul D’Ambra and Jackie Birts, students across the area and beyond have received working computers in excellent shape – and free of charge.

The Computers for Learning program (CFL) was born out of a need to implement Executive Order 12999, which encourages agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to transfer computers and other computer peripheral excess equipment directly to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. Before any computers are shipped, Paul D’Ambria personally cleans each computer of all data. After cleaning, each computer is entered by Jackie Birts onto the GSA listing where it remains until the equipment is selected for use. The equipment also must remain on a Government GSA listing for possible Government agency selection and permanent use for a period of 60 days.

Receiving institutions must provide their own software, pick up the equipment and deliver it to the intended school or educational institution. Most recently, the Technical Center shipped approximately $250,000.00 of computer equipment to assist the flood ravaged school system in Beaumont, TX.

Closer to home, at the behest of local high school computer teacher, Joe Dilkes, a shipment of 18 surplus computers, in various stages of assembly, were sent to Egg Harbor Township High School. Mr. Dilkes was able to utilize the computers to teach his students the working parts of both assembled and disassembled computer units. This represented considerable hands-on training for the students that they might never have been able to obtain in any other way.

The Computers for Learning program has become a wonderful success for both the Technical Center, and schools in South Jersey and beyond. This program represents a way for the Government to reduce its inventory of excess computers while providing a cost savings to the taxpayers in school districts with a genuine need for this type of equipment… a win/win proposition for the Government, students and taxpayers!