StorageTek Sponsors Ground-Breaking Program

In response to the demands of the ever-changing and advancing field of technology, Denver Public Schools has opened two new Computer Magnet high school programs. Currently, 230 students are enrolled in the programs at Thomas Jefferson High School and North High School.

The first ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 6 at 4 p.m. at North High School (2960 North Speer Blvd.).

An open house that follows (through 6 p.m.) will give Denver-area residents the opportunity to see what this new and exciting 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 Computer Magnet is an unprecedented program in terms of the support it provides to both students and teachers interested in engineering," said Bobby Kocol, StorageTek corporate vice president and chief financial officer. "StorageTek is very pleased to be a part of the program, and we are delighted that we could not only meet Computer Magnet's wish list, but that we are able to supersede their desires in terms of computer resources, professional development courses and online learning programs."

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 also 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.

The Hispanic Chamber Education Foundation facilitated the partnership between StorageTek and Denver Public Schools that made this program possible.

"The dynamics of this relationship between the Hispanic Chamber Education Foundation, North High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and StorageTek is an example of putting the public back into Public Education," said Ken Santistevan, co-chair, Education Council Hispanic Chamber Education Foundation. "StorageTek is not only working with the students but also providing teachers with additional resources and professional development skills to assist them in producing students of high quality, for our workforce."

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.