Denver Public Schools is preparing teens for the world of information technology through a renewed Computer Magnet program at Thomas Jefferson High School and North High School. Currently, 230 students are enrolled in the two programs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 14 at 4 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School (3950 South Holly).

An open house immediately follows (through 6 p.m.) to give Denver-area residents the opportunity to see what this exciting new program has to offer.

Denver Public School's Computer Magnet program incorporates cutting-edge technology and knowledge in an integrated approach to information technology. Students in the program can major in the technician strand, web applications strand, or software/hardware engineering strand during their four years in the program.

"The Denver Public Schools Computer Magnet program is the best new curriculum in Denver," said Gary Goodnight, Computer Magnet Coordinator. "It has the potential of changing the lives of its students by providing them with training in interesting and rewarding skill areas. The students of the Computer Magnet will be the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in information technology."

North and Thomas Jefferson High Schools received 100 used laptop computers from StorageTek as well as 11 Sparc 5 workstations that will be used to teach Unix, PC and MAC operating systems. In addition, the schools received hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of computer equipment from Denver Public Schools.

StorageTek is providing professional support in the form of training for teachers and students, tours of StorageTek facilities, continuing on-line communication with StorageTek engineers, and guest speakers.

"StorageTek has always been a champion of education, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the success of these students," said Jill Kenney, StorageTek corporate vice president, Worldwide Marketing and Strategy. "We are pleased that we could offer such valuable resources to Computer Magnet - a program that enables our youth to achieve goals which will set them apart from their peers and pave the road to a very bright future."

The Hispanic Chamber Education Foundation brought together Denver Public Schools and the StorageTek Corporation to make this program possible.

The Board of Education approved a plan to expand and enhance the Computer Magnet program, which had been housed at George Washington High School. The plan was approved in part to create more room at George Washington. The expansion of the Computer Magnet program to two campuses was made possible by the $305 million bond approved by voters in 1998.