Tech Power Day Celebrated in San Diego

Upgrading technology equipment at community technology centers, and offering low-interest loan programs to enable more people to buy computers, is a step toward bridging the digital divide in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, October 21, 2004 – The Regional Technology Alliance and The Waitt Family Foundation hosted an event that showcased the findings of their report, San Diego’s Digital Divide Revisited: Approaching Digital Inclusion – but Disparities Persist, which reported on the new state of the digital divide and announced the five components of the Tech Power program. Community leaders, local residents of Hacienda Town Homes where the event took place, and representatives from each of the ten community technology centers that received equipment were in attendance.

Al Panico, Chief Administrator and Grants Director for the Waitt Family Foundation, read proclamations from the City of San Dieo and County of San Diego honoring San Diego's Tech Power Community Technolgy Centers by proclaiming October 21, 2004 as Tech Power Day.

Al Panico reads the City of San Diego Tech Power Day Proclamation

Tech Power Day at Hacienda Town Homes

To help people improve their lives through technology, Gateway will provide computers at a discounted cost. California Bank & Trust will extend low-interest credit to qualified buyers who may not have the credit history to obtain other types of loans. One Economy Corporation is providing management expertise and promotion for the program, which has been successfully pilot-tested in other cities. Through the contributions of these companies, people who would not otherwise be able to afford a computer will have the opportunity to purchase one for less than $23 per month. Residents can apply for the loans through the community technology centers, then return to the centers to receive training and support once they receive the new equipment.

The Regional Technology Alliance is a private, non-profit corporation that promotes sustainable technology growth in the region by providing direct business assistance and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs and high tech and biotech companies, programs to increase technology inclusion, and research and education to help shape public policy and forge effective collaborations.

Our partner, Gateway Computers, is offering a very special price on a desk top computer and a laptop through this program. Anyone, anywhere can purchase these computers by visiting a dedicated web site for the Tech Power Program. Purchases must be made by credit card unless the buyer has received a loan through California Bank and Trust.