Jump to content United States-English
HP.com Home Products and Services Support and Drivers Solutions How to Buy
» Contact HP
 
HP.com home
HP Newsroom  >  News releases

News release

» 

Company information

» Newsroom home
 
News
» News releases
  » Online press kits
  » Media relations contacts
  » Executive leadership
  » Newsroom archive
 
Multimedia
  » Videos
  » B-roll
  » Blogs
  » RSS feeds
 
Company info
  » Fast facts
  » Financial information
  » Global citizenship
  » HP Labs
  » Company history
 
More info
  » In the news
  » Awards
  » Student inquiries
  » Recalls and replacement programs
  » Trademarks


Content starts here

HP and Magic Johnson Foundation Double Team to Defeat Digital Divide in Atlanta

Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center Featuring HP Technology Opens in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Oct. 29, 2002

HP (NYSE:HPQ) and the Magic Johnson Foundation today continued their community technology initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide with the opening of the seventh Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center at Operation Peace in the Village of Bedford Pines. The center will offer training and skills development and access to online services for Atlanta-area youths and adults.

Funded through the HP Multi-cultural Marketing Program, the $1 million, three-year initiative has already established centers in six other inner-city communities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and New York.

"So many people take computer technology for granted because it's such a major part of our society now, but imagine not having the education or the ability to access computers," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation. "Thanks to organizations with a strong sense of responsibility like HP, my Foundation can come into the community and provide the necessary training and education that the kids and the residents of the community may not be getting otherwise."

The Magic Johnson and HP Inventor Center in Bedford Pines will feature a powerful lineup of HP commercial and consumer products -- from servers, desktop and notebook PCs to printers, scanners and digital cameras.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said, "The center will help ensure that residents have access to computer technology so they can continue to develop indispensable skills for a technologically driven world. We thank HP, the Magic Johnson Foundation and the other organizations that came forward to make this happen."

"HP is deeply committed to broadening access to social and economic opportunities through technology," said Carlos Cardoso, director of state government affairs, Southeast region for HP. "By working with the Magic Johnson Foundation, we are widening our efforts to enable under-served communities to harness the benefits of the digital economy."

Operation Peace is a community-based organization, serving the Village of Bedford Pines, one of Atlanta's most under-served communities. It is their mission to improve the quality of life and economic stability by empowering families to be self-sufficient through developing literacy, vocational and technical skills in adults; nurturing leadership skills in youth; and reaching out to seniors to remain active.

Other sponsors supporting the Magic Foundation and HP Inventor Center include: DHL, Eastwind Consulting Group, Microsoft, Personal Touch Systems and Skillsoft.

About the Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving and addressing the health, educational and social needs of those residing in the inner city. In addition, the Foundation has made a strong commitment to raise awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities. Founded in 1991 by basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the Foundation has raised more than $20 million for charity.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

Printable version
Privacy statement Using this site means you accept its terms Feedback to webmaster
© 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.