Magic Johnson Foundation Opens Miami Community Tech Center

MIAMI
The Magic Johnson Foundation and the Hewlett Packard (HP) company have dedicated yet another community technology facility aimed at bridging the digital divide with the opening of the 12th Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center at the Mattie Koonce Learning Center (MKC) in Miami's Overtown community. Starting last month, the center joins 11 other Inventor Centers around the nation in providing computer training and skills development as well as access to online services for youths and adults in disadvantaged communities.
"The center will help ensure that residents have access to computer technology so they can continue to develop indispensable skills for a technologically driven world," says Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz.
Funded by HP, the initiative has already opened centers in communities in Los Angeles, Washington, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Houston and Lansing, Mich. The investment totals $1.4 million over a three-year rollout, according to officials.
"Many people take computer technology for granted because it's such a major part of our society now. But imagine not having the education or the ability to access computers. Thanks to organizations with a strong sense of responsibility like HP, my foundation can come into the community and provide the necessary training and education that the kids and the residents of the community may not be getting otherwise" says Earvin "Magic" Johnson, founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation.
The Magic Johnson Foundation and HP selected the Mattie Koonce site with the assistance of the Florida Digital Divide Council, which was established by the Florida legislature to focus on bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. Other sponsors supporting the Magic Foundation/HP Inventor Center include: DHL, Freddie Mac and Eastwind Consulting Group.
"HP strongly believes in providing access to social and economic opportunities through technology," says Wayne Fountain, district manager, HP's Public Sector Organization group.