and Fayette County Schools

Dell TechKnow (originally launched as Learn and Earn) was established to combat the student dropout rate and provide access to technology. Initiated by a community (educators, parents, community leaders) study of needs - the overwhelming response was that technology was the greatest need among students.

The Dell TechKnow program is a 40-hour after-school program where at-risk middle school students receive free Dell refurbished desktop computers that they take apart and re-build. The students install software; upgrade, diagnose and fix basic hardware problems; and then learn how to use the word processing and educational software. Teachers from Fayette County Public Schools and other agencies serve as the instructors for the Dell TechKnow program, with volunteer assistance from members of the Central Kentucky Computer Society and Lexmark International.

Program Background

Dell believes that everyone should have the ability to access, use and understand technology.  The Dell TechKnow program focuses on developing local partnerships to provide low-income or underserved middle school students the opportunity to earn a home computer and learn technology skills to better prepare them for opportunities in today’s technology-driven world.    

The Dell TechKnow program (originally launched as Learn and Earn) was established in 1998 by a Dell customer, Denver Public Schools, to combat the student dropout rate and provide students with home access to technology.  The Dell TechKnow program was launched nationwide in the fall of 2002.  

Since July 2001 through December 2004, more than 4,400 students from across the U. S. have completed the program.  All students are defined as “at-risk” or low-income and more than 80% of students participating in the program are Hispanic and African American with nearly 40% percent of the students participating young women. School districts for the Spring Class of 2005 include: Alameda, California; Chicago; Denver; Atlanta; Lexington, Kentucky; Kannapolis, N.C.; Laredo, Texas; Austin, Texas; Detroit and Nashville, Tennessee; Miami, FL and NYC, New York.   

In January 2004, the Tubby Smith Foundation along with Fayette County Public Schools, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government's Division of Parks & Recreation, the   Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, and Dell committed to bring computer and technology education programs to middle school students in Lexington Kentucky.      

Dell has invested significant dollars in the Dell TechKnow program to provide program support with administration and communications, community partnerships, instructor training, curriculum and materials, travel and administrative expenses and refurbished hardware.