“Young Women Leaders” Help Launch First 10-Inch Netbooks Designed for Students

* Dell™ Latitude™ 2100 provides sixth graders at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders with Window to the World
* Dell Giving Contribution of Netbooks to School Extends Commitment to Using IT to Support Learning and Skills Development
* Dell Public-Sector Division President Tells Students IT-Enabled Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills Are Key to Achievement

The sixth-grade math class at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders will be the first in the world to have Dell’s new 10-inch netbook designed specifically for students.

The contribution of 30 Dell Latitude 2100 netbooks builds on the company’s longstanding commitment to enabling widespread access to technology in classrooms. Each of the systems will come with ePals™ Classroom Match web-based software which allows teachers and students to connect and share projects with another classroom more than 6,000 miles away.

Today’s global launch of the Latitude 2100 (link to product release) expands Dell’s growing presence in the rapidly-emerging netbook product category. Analyst firm IDC expects mininotebooks (netbooks) in the education space to move from 19.6% of total notebook shipments in 2008 to 57.9% in 2012*

Dell Public Sector President Paul Bell, who also chairs the company’s Global Giving Council, spoke to students about the important role technology will play in helping them hone the skills they need to learn, achieve and ultimately compete in a connected global workforce.

“The young women at the Ann Richards School represent America’s potential,” said Mr. Bell. “Equipped with the right technology and skills they need to learn and achieve, they are the cornerstone of this country’s future competitiveness.”

Mr. Bell said that, to compete in a global economy, today’s students ― tomorrow’s leaders ―need an entirely new set of “21st Century” technology-enabled knowledge and skills, including:

* Lessons and curricula that help develop global awareness;
* Communications skills that encourage collaborative problem analysis, and
* Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to arrive at the best-possible answers and outcomes.

“Reading, math and science are the foundations of learning but today’s students need more to excel,” said Mr. Bell. “Early exposure to 21st Century skills is critical to developing accomplished students and a highly skilled workforce, which is key to any nation’s long term competitiveness.”

Chaired by Mr. Bell, Dell’s Global Giving Council recently has increased its focus on providing technology access to students outside of the United States through Dell YouthConnect. Launched earlier this year, YouthConnect provides support for education and digital-inclusion initiatives essential to ensuring the next generation’s success.