Dell works with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to give youth access to latest technology

• Mobile tech clinic enables St. Alban's Club to extend program's reach to satellite locations
• Powering the Possible program to help 5,000 youth in Toronto, Ottawa and Saddle Lake (Alberta) to close the digital gap through access to latest technology
• Broad collaboration between Dell and BGCC includes financial support, technology and Dell volunteer trainers and mentors

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2013 – Youth in three underserved communities are reaping the benefits of the latest technology and tools to connect them to the information age and global workforce, thanks to an exciting relationship between Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC), Dell and the Rogers ‘Raising the Grade’ Program.

BGCC was the first Canadian partner selected for Dell’s Powering the Possible grants program, which will help close the digital gap for 5,000 Boys and Girls Club youth by providing state-of-the-art Dell technology such as laptops, printers and data projectors and 300 Club staff with technology training. Dell will also provide the volunteer services of a local Dell champion, who will manage engagement opportunities with local Dell team members.

BGCC and Dell today celebrated the initiative with St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club youth and staff location in Toronto which also serves permanent and mobile satellite clubs in the GTA. Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and Boys and Girls Club of Saddle Lake, on a First Nation in Alberta, have also benefitted from Dell Powering the Possible grants.

Dell Powering the Possible grants are designed to support youth by closing the technology gap for learning.  Dell places state-of-the art technology into underserved communities and works with non-profit organizations to teach information and communication technology (ICT) skills.  Dell Powering the Possible is designed to give others the power to do more through a combination of Dell donated technology & solutions and resources. In addition to Dell’s corporate giving, local Dell volunteers are taking a very active role with local BGCC clubs. To learn more, visit www.dell.com/giving

“Through Dell’s grant, St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club has been able to incorporate technology into many aspects of its programs including homework help, job skills development and online safety,” said the Club’s executive director Chris Foster. “For many of our youth, it can be a challenge to access a computer or connect to the Internet, so the impact of this Dell investment in our Club is huge,” added Mr. Foster.

BGCC President and CEO Pam Jolliffe said the technology and training made available by the Dell Powering the Possible program further Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada’s mission to provide a brighter future for young people.

“Through this investment, Dell has made it possible for Boys and Girls Club youth to participate fully in in today’s increasingly digital world and provided staff with training so they can teach youth how to maximize the benefits of this technology,” Ms. Jolliffe said. “We are thrilled to be Dell’s first Powering the Possible partner in Canada and be able to close the technology gap for young people across the country.”

“Teaching 21st century skills and increasing access to technology is fundamental to the development of our future generations, enabling children to reach their full potential,” said Paul Cooper, executive director, Public and Large Institutions, Dell Canada.  “Powering the Possible is designed to change the way youth today learn and access information.  Our commitment is to provide the technology and know-how to help the next generation become successful in their local communities and the global workforce and we are proud to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Canada to help further its mission.”

Media Contacts:

Janet Fabri, Dell, +1 (416) 758-3398, Janet_fabri@dell.com

Melissa Lee, Cohn & Wolfe, +1 (647) 259-3266, Melissa.lee@cohnwolfe.ca

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Powering the Possible is Dell’s commitment to put technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet. Dell works with nonprofits to address pressing social issues by donating a combination of Dell technologies and solutions, funding, expertise and volunteer support. In 2011, Dell gave more than $44 million, and Dell team members volunteered more than 418,000 hours in their communities. Learn more at www.dell.com/communities. For information about Dell Canada please visit www.dell.ca.

Follow Dell Powering the Possible on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Dell4Good

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading non-profit organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 210,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 650 locations across Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs offer opportunities, after school and at other critical times when children are not in school, to develop healthy behaviours, academic success, positive relationships and life and leadership skills. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 110 years. Visit www.bgccan.com

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