For Immediate Release - February 26, 2007

Mass. Department of Correction Donates Computers to Roosevelt Elementary School

Worcester--February 26 at 10:30am

Milford (February 22, 2007)-The Massachusetts Department of Correction continues its distribution of newly refurbished computers through its Computers for Schools Program by delivering 300 computers to the Roosevelt Elementary School on February 26 at 10:30am.
WHERE:Roosevelt Elementary School, 1006 Grafton Street, Worcester
WHEN:Monday, February 26, 10:30am
WHO:

Kathleen M. Dennehy, Commissioner, Mass. Dept. of Correction
Veronica Madden, DOC Associate Commissioner of Reentry & Reintegration
Carolyn Vicari, DOC Director of Inmate Training & Education
Dr. James A. Caradonio, Superintendent, Worcester Public Schools
Mary Meade-Montaque, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School
Students at Roosevelt Elementary School

BACKGROUND: The Computers for Schools Program trains inmates to upgrade computers that are donated by large corporations and businesses. Over two years, the Massachusetts Trial Court has donated 1,200 computers when it upgraded its system. This was the largest donation received since the Computers for Schools Program began in 1997 .

With this donation, the DOC Computers for Schools Program has donated approximately 3,610 computers to classrooms throughout the Commonwealth since 1997 . The restorations involve the conversion of a computer that is a Pentium 3 or faster as well as the installation of a CD-ROM drive and sound cards. DOC provides the CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse. At an estimated cost of $200-$250 for a refurbished computer, this program has saved school districts between $722,000 to $902,500.

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