Microsoft-Equipped Computer Lab in Renovated D.C. Housing Project Trains Residents of All Ages

M icrosoft’s Steve Ballmer today joined representatives of the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) in celebrating the official reopening of the newly renovated Edgewood Terrace housing project in Northeast Washington, D.C. and the debut of its flagship computer training facility, The Gateway@Edgewood .

CPDC’s Edgewood Terrace renovation is notable not only for the physical transformation of the housing units, but also for CPDC’s creation of a network of social and community programs on site to support the residents. Through partnerships with local companies, including Microsoft’s Mid-Atlantic office, CPDC has provided the vital services (transportation, child care, health services and job training) that Edgewood Terrace residents need to succeed. At a ceremony today in Washington, D.C., Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s executive vice president for sales and support, said Microsoft is proud of the role it played in renovating the Edgewood Terrace housing project and creating its new computer training facility, The Gateway@Edgewood .

In February, Microsoft’s Mid-Atlantic office awarded the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) a combined software, cash and technical assistance grant worth $129,000. The grant allowed the CPDC to equip 110 new computers at The Gateway@Edgewood’s with new operating-system, office-productivity, kids, Internet and reference software. In addition, Microsoft’s Mid-Atlantic office is committing many volunteer hours to mobilize other members of the business community through a Gateway Advisory Board. The Gateway@Edgewood provides computer and Internet training programs seven days a week for Edgewood residents of all ages.

Microsoft’s support of The Gateway@Edgewood supplements a broad range of other community outreach initiatives in the Washington, D.C. area. These include long-term financial support for the Computer Learning Laboratory at Martha’s Table — since 1994 Microsoft has donated nearly $300,000 to Martha’s Table — plus volunteer, cash and software assistance to organizations like Bright Beginnings, a homeless shelter for Washington, D.C. kids, and La Clinica, a local health-care clinic serving the Latino community.

Related Posts