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Ford Credit Gives Computers to Detroit Schools

9 April 1998

Ford Credit Gives Computers to Detroit Schools

    DEARBORN, Mich., April 9 -- Computers once used to process
automotive finance loans will be windows to the world for hundreds of Detroit
Public School children.  Dr. Eddie L. Green, interim general superintendent,
Detroit Public Schools (DPS), along with Ken Whipple, Ford Credit chairman and
chief executive officer, announced today that Ford Credit is donating 3,000
personal computers to DPS.
    Ford Credit is replacing computers in more than 200 of its North American
branch offices.  The donation of Ford Credit's used computers will implement a
Personal Computer Internet Lab of 10 computers at each of the 263 schools
within the DPS system.
    "Investing in education now is critical for the future," said Whipple.
"Most companies recognize that their most important competitive advantage lies
in the skills and abilities of its employees.  By helping our schools and
their students today, we're investing in our future workforce."
    "We are very excited about receiving this much needed donation," said
Dr. Green.  "The receipt of 3,000 computers provides access to the Internet
for all of our schools and will support our increasing use of technology for
the delivery of curriculum."
    The DPS system is the eighth largest in the country with more than 180,000
students in 260 schools.  DPS has connectivity to each school for
administrative purposes, but does not have access to the Internet.  DPS has in
place one of the largest Wide Area Networks (WAN) in Southeast Michigan.
    IBM has agreed to help install the PCs and provide some technical support
while the schools become acclimated with their new systems.  UPS will ship the
computers at no charge from Dearborn to a main DPS location.
    This donation by Ford Credit is one of many outreach programs held
throughout the year by the company's employees.  These programs include
"Credit Drives America" with Ford Credit employees teaching personal finance
basics to high school students at nearly 400 schools; Junior Achievement,
which assigns company personnel to teach business in classrooms nationwide;
and an active United Way campaign.
    Ford Credit last year donated 135 Text Telephone Equipment (TTY) machines
(a teletype device that helps those with hearing loss communicate via the
telephone) to two non-profit organizations specializing in helping people with
hearing disabilities.  Ford Credit also provides disaster relief assistance to
victims of flooding and other natural disasters.
    "We believe in being a good neighbor.  That's why Ford Credit takes a
leadership role in community service and corporate citizenship," said Whipple.
    Ford Credit, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company , is the world's
largest provider of automotive finance.  It serves eight million customers in
35 countries.

SOURCE  Ford Credit