Hispanic Association Teams Up With Gateway Computers
By Ronald Roach

SAN ANTONIO

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) recently teamed up with computer manufacturer Gateway Inc. to provide a discounted PC and rebate program to HACU's 300 member institutions. HACU member institutions enroll more than 1 million of the 1.5 million Hispanics in higher education today.

"Bridging the digital divide in education is one of Gateway's primary goals, and our new alliance with HACU will make that vision a reality for thousands of students," says Jay Lambke, Gateway's vice president of institutional markets. "We're proud to partner with HACU to help make technology more accessible to the students, faculty, staff and alumni of these fine institutions."

Late last year, HACU signed a formal agreement with Gateway at HACU's national conference in Denver. All Gateway products and services are available to HACU member schools.

"With this support, Gateway is demonstrating its commitment to reducing the digital divide," says Dr. Antonio R. Flores, HACU president and CEO. "By providing significant discounts on computers for our member institutions and students, Gateway is not only helping Hispanics gain access to much needed programs and services, but is helping to assure a well-prepared work force for America's next generation."

The agreement marks Gateway's second alliance with a national collegiate organization. In 2000, Gateway joined forces with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO), an alliance of 118 historically Black colleges and universities. Since that time, the computer company has granted more than $1 million in rebates to NAFEO's member institutions, placing more than 30,000 systems into the hands of students across the country.