Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Delores Mo (left), a junior at Prospect High School, researches Shakespeare with teacher Royce Peterson and Sarah Kent, also a junior.

NEC donates computer equipment to Prospect

By Torre Peña

Eagerly testing a new state-of-the-art computer lab donated by NEC Systems Laboratory, students and teachers at Prospect High School were busy surfing the Internet last week.

The lab links students to computers around the world, and the human connections formed from the partnership with NEC signify an opportunity at Prospect to bridge the gap between the corporate world and education.

"With a partnership like this, we are opening up all types of avenues for students," said principal Rita Matthews.

NEC's software development division donated 17 computers fully loaded with pentium processors, CD-ROMs and sound systems with speakers. A technology grant added seven similar computers, making the total 24.

The partnership involves more than NEC's dumping the equipment and moving on, Matthews said. For at least two years, NEC will offer training and $20,000 per year for more computer equipment. In addition to computers, NEC donated office furniture and technical expertise to set up the facility.

The donation represents NEC's concerted effort to strengthen ties and become more involved with the community.

"They want a true partnership," Matthews said.

A committee of 20 students has signed up to develop a Prospect Web site on the Internet. And NEC has agreed to provide training for the students and faculty. In addition to training, Matthews hopes this will provide a forum for students to discuss ethical questions involving electronic media.

"It helps students to know what the world of business is like," said Richard Robbins, administrator of school-to-career services for Campbell Union High School District.

In return, students will test innovative, prereleased software and provide feedback to NEC.

"They're hoping to test their software here in a controlled environment," Matthews said.

Prospect has already started developing curricula to incorporate the computers. Anticipating more computers to come, Matthews would like to see future equipment dedicated to math and science.

Currently, the lab is used for general purposes and open for students to drop in during the day.

Senior class president Marisa Salvador was among the first to try out the new computers. Impressed by the amount of information available through the Internet, Salvador said the lab benefits students like her, who don't have computers at home.

"It makes doing anything for school a lot easier," she said.

NEC representative Chuck Krukiel said Prospect was chosen from a pool of potential schools because the high school had a desperate need for the computers and a student population interested in Web page design.