EDITORS: Computers will be delivered at 10 a.m. Jan. 27 and set up by Avitek employees, who will also provide instructions. The Family Learning Center is at 3164 34th St., north of Valmont, across from Sutherland Lumber. Follow 34th Street past San Juan Del Centro until the road curves east and ends at the Family Learning Center. The center can be reached at 303-442-8979.
The University of Colorado at Boulder is working with Avitek Inc., a local software developer, to bring used computers and technical support to more than 150 families who use Boulder聮s Family Learning Center.
About a dozen computers will be delivered Jan. 27 and set up in a newly established computer lab at the Family Learning Center. Avitek engineers will be on hand to install equipment and train the center's clients and staff.
Because the Family Learning Center is expanding its Family Literacy Program, the demand for computer time at the center has dramatically increased.
When CU-Boulder departments upgrade computer equipment they do not always have a use for the older machines. This program allows for the machines to be repaired, reconfigured and loaded with new software and memory by volunteer employees at Avitek.
Avitek volunteers also will be available to offer further training and technical support to participants in the literacy program.
Equipment was contributed by CU-Boulder聮s Police and Parking Services departments, the Office of Planning, Budget and Analysis, and JILA, a joint institute of the university and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
"This program exemplifies the kind of partnership the university strives to have with the community," said Jaisy Jardine, outreach coordinator for CU聮s Office of Community Relations.
According to Tim Miller, co-owner and founder of Avitek, "Half of our 28 employees have earned degrees from CU. This program allows our company to maintain its ties with the university and at the same time use our expertise to help the community."
"The Family Learning Center is pleased to join in a partnership with the University of Colorado and Avitek employees," said Brenda Lyle, executive director of the Family Learning Center. "Our partnership will increase our ability to support children and families in their efforts to become more literate and economically self-sufficient."