Because it's needed...According to the 2000 US Census, Yellowstone County has nearly 2,000 families with children under the age of 18 living below the poverty level. These children do not generally have access to computers in the home yet are expected to perform comparably to their peers who may.

Because it's important...Children with access to the computers and training provided by C4K are:

• More likely to succeed academically
• More likely to develop a positive self-esteem and feel comfortable with their peers
• Less likely to drop out of school or be chronically absent
• Better prepared to enter the workforce
• Able to serve as technology mentors for their family members

Because it's unique...No other program in Yellowstone County provies at-risk youth with home PCs. Children may have access to a PC at the library or at a youth center, but these PCs must be shared which limits the time and benefit a child may receive. And the free training offered by C4K is unmatched in our community.

Because it's responsible...Our country discards over 3,000 tons of electronic equipment a day. Besides being wasteful, a typical CRT monitor contains around 4 pounds of lead. Disposing of this equipment in a landfill may have a significant environmental impact.

Because it's fun...We love doing this! The excitement and benefits of providing childred with computers is worth all the effort involved.