5/22/01

AUBURN DONATES COMPUTERS, BOOKS TO ALABAMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AUBURN -- Auburn University is implementing a new statewide program through which it will donate to Alabama's public schools surplus computers, books and educational equipment. School systems will be able to choose from a variety of materials made available by the university twice a year.

The program, which was approved by the AU Board of Trustees, is based on Auburn's successful experience with outreach programs that provided similar donations to Auburn area schools.

"Programs in Lee County and Loachapoka schools show that such property can be valuable to public schools," said David Wilson, associate provost and vice president for University Outreach. "Numerous school systems in the state, particularly in the Alabama Black Belt, presently do not have computing equipment which enables Internet accessibility. While the equipment Auburn offers is not a panacea, this will go a long way to help expose Alabama students to modern technology."

Starting June 4-8, the initial offering of surplus computers, desks, books, file cabinets and other equipment will be available for donation to K-12 school systems. School administrators will have an opportunity to inspect and select items from the available stock provided by the university. While priority will be given to schools that have some relationship with AU, all public schools in the state are eligible to participate in the program.

Equipment will be donated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In the future, the program will be administered by the College of Education's Truman Pierce Institute along with the AU Libraries and campus Surplus Properties Office. School systems interested in books should contact Glenn Anderson, assistant director for collections, at 334/844-7741.

A list of available properties and an application form is available on the AU Outreach web site. For school systems without Internet access, call Mark Stratton, manager, AU Surplus Property at 334/844-4984.

# # #

may01:AU-surplus