News release

HP Provides Grant to MentorNet to Aid Women in Engineering and Science

As part of its efforts to boost the ranks of women in the fields of engineering, science and math, HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced an equipment grant to MentorNet, a Silicon Valley-based e-mail network that links women engineering students across the nation with volunteers in the industry.

With HP's grant, MentorNet plans to enhance its internal systems and infrastructure, as well as support capacity for the development of a year-round mentor program. MentorNet uses technology and the Internet, as well as an extensive network of organizations and volunteers, to serve large numbers of participants.

"With the assistance of donations like HP's, MentorNet has grown from serving 250 students five years ago at 15 universities to nearly 3,000 students from 80 colleges and universities today," said Carol Muller, president and chief executive officer, MentorNet. "This latest grant will power MentorNet's reach into the future, enabling us to enlarge our capacity and extend our reach."

The HP grant features a wide range of HP commercial and consumer products -- from servers and notebook PCs to printers and monitors -- with a total retail value of more than $55,000. Over the last four years, HP's investment in MentorNet has totaled more than $150,000.

"HP is deeply committed to encouraging women in math, science and engineering," said Wayne Johnson, executive director, HP University Relations Worldwide. "By providing the grant to MentorNet, we leverage technology to support the talent pool of women pursuing technical careers."

About MentorNet

MentorNet is a nonprofit organization working to further women's progress in scientific and technical fields through the use of a dynamic, technology-supported mentoring program. MentorNet aims to advance women and society, and enhance engineering and related sciences, by promoting a diversified expanded and talented workforce. In partnership with colleges and universities, corporations, government labs and agencies and professional societies, MentorNet is international in scope, serving students all over the world. More information is available at www.MentorNet.net.

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 acquisition of Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.