YMCA of the USA Receives Grant From IBM to Enhance YMCA Early Learning Programs

IBM KidSmart Program provides Young Explorer(TM) computers to YMCAs to support education for Hispanic/Latino communities

CHICAGO, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the resource office for the nation's YMCAs, has received a grant from IBM to enhance YMCA early learning opportunities for three- to seven-year-old children in YMCA child care programs. The grant will provide 50 Young Explorer(TM) computers to YMCAs serving communities where the population is at least 40 percent Hispanic/Latino. The Young Explorer computer, housed in Little Tikes(TM) furniture, comes pre-loaded with educational software in English and/or Spanish.

IBM is awarding the grant through its IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program, which integrates interactive teaching and learning activities using the latest technology into pre-kindergarten curricula. Currently the program serves more than 10 million children and 100,000 teachers in 60 countries worldwide.

"We know from extensive research and experience that technology can be very effective in educational teaching and learning," said Stanley S. Litow, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, for IBM. "The YMCA's national scope and commitment to early learning provides an unparalleled opportunity for IBM to broaden its reach into local communities nationwide and bring real educational value not only to children and teachers, but to their families as well."

This is especially important in Hispanic/Latino communities, Litow added. "There is a critical shortage of people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our country today, which could hurt our competitiveness as a nation. Participation is especially low in Hispanic/Latino communities," he said. "Among the commitments IBM has made to address this disparity is to strengthen early childhood education in communities that serve Hispanics, and introduce computer-based resources at the preschool level that can make a real difference."

As one of the leading providers of child care in the nation, with more than 1,000 YMCAs offering early learning and preschool programs across the country, the YMCA recognizes the urgent need to offer and expand successful early learning programming, especially to underserved populations.

"As a leader in youth development the YMCA has offered early education for more than half a century," said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "We are committed to expanding educational opportunities that help our nation's young people become self-sufficient and capable of strengthening the communities around them."

Ten YMCAs have been selected to integrate the Young Explorer computers into their early learning curricula for children from three to seven years old. They include:

    --  YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
    --  Mid Valley Family YMCA, Van Nuys, CA
    --  Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA, Longmont, CO
    --  Grassy Plain YMCA Children's Center, Bethel, CT
    --  YMCA of Greater Miami, Miami, FL
    --  Aurora Family YMCA, Aurora, IL
    --  Greater Lynn YMCA, Lynn, MA
    --  YMCA of Paterson, Paterson, NJ
    --  The Community YMCA, Middletown, NJ

    --  YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester Inc., White Plains, NY

Critical to the success of early learning programs is the frequent and significant involvement of parents and caregivers. To encourage such engagement, each participating YMCA will provide opportunities for parents to use the Young Explorers computers simultaneously with their children.

"We are extremely excited to incorporate this most generous gift from IBM into YMCA early learning programs nationwide," Nicoll said, "and we look forward to demonstrating meaningful progress in the months and years to come."

About IBM:

For more information on IBM, please visit: www.ibm.com.

About IBM's KidSmart Program:

IBM's KidSmart program includes the Young Explorer(TM), a computer housed in brightly-colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes(TM) furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language. The computer centers can also help children learn important socialization skills such as how to work together and share. Exploration and socialization skills are important to prepare children for future success in school, help level the playing field and ensure all children have access to educational tools. For more information, please visit: www.ibm.com.

About YMCA OF THE USA:

YMCA of the USA is the resource office for the nation's 2,686 YMCAs, which serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children under the age of 18. YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America's largest not-for-profit community service organizations. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.

YMCAs are non-profit charitable organizations. Any reference to products or services does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by YMCAs. We acknowledge and appreciate the support of IBM by making the KidSmart program available to YMCAs.

    CONTACT:  Diane Hurles
    Donor Relations Manager
    YMCA of the USA
    312-419-8374
    diane.hurles@ymca.net

SOURCE YMCA of the USA