Editor’s note, December5, 2008 –
A
Spanish version of the press release
is also available.
REDMOND, Wash. — Dec. 5, 2008 — As part of Microsoft Corp.’s continued efforts to promote computer literacy among U.S. Hispanics and in light of the upcoming holiday season, Microsoft has joined the Los Angeles-based Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center (BHTYC), whose mission is devoted to enhancing opportunities for future Latino leaders and encouraging parental involvement, to host a special holiday workshop for the Hispanic community. The workshop will teach parents and children how to save money and prepare for the holidays using Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 and the Microsoft Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish.
The Microsoft Office Home and Student suite of applications includes Microsoft Office Excel 2007, Office Word 2007, Office OneNote 2007 and Office PowerPoint 2007. All Office 2007 suites are available in two versions: English (bilingual families can add the Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish as a tool to switch back and forth between languages) and Spanish (for Spanish-dominant users, this version comes completely in Spanish).
As the holiday season draws near, Microsoft is organizing a posada-style family celebration at the BHTYC. The event is slated for Saturday, Dec. 6, and will gather more than 100 Hispanic families. Attendees will learn about the Microsoft Office 2007 system and the Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish in a fun environment, using technology solutions including Office Excel 2007, Office Word 2007 and Office PowerPoint 2007 to prepare for the holidays.
The event is completely free and open to the public, and families from the Los Angeles area will have the opportunity to exercise their creativity and plan their holiday gatherings in style and in an affordable way.
Aside from the workshops, guests also will enjoy a traditional posada holiday environment, with music, traditional food (including tamales, champurrado and pan dulce), piñatas and fun for all the family.
“We are proud that our center is home to Microsoft once again, to show the Latino community that there are tools to help them ease costs this holiday season,” said Ozzie López, executive director of the BHTYC. “We’re excited that so many families are enjoying this free workshop in a festive environment.”
This alliance with the BHTYC also will include a special donation of cash and software for the center that provides service to the community in Los Angeles.
“With the current economic situation in the U.S., families are looking for ways to save money and still celebrate the holidays,” said Fred Studer, general manager of U.S. Information Worker Business Group at Microsoft. “This alliance with the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center will give us the opportunity to interact with Hispanic families and show them how to prepare inexpensive and creative holiday solutions for their homes, using easy technology tools from Microsoft Office 2007.”
The Microsoft Office 2007 system and the Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish offer a great deal of tools to help simplify the holiday season, with special templates and features that allow families to create fun projects such as these:
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Personally made holiday cards, family calendars, gift tags and decorations using Office Word 2007
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Holiday budget management using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 templates
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Dazzling presentations for a posada gathering using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
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Holiday recipe organization using Office Word 2007 templates
Aside from everything that the Microsoft Office 2007 system and the Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish offer this holiday season, the software also is the perfect gift for every student and parent. More information on how to obtain Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 and the Office 2007 Language Pack — Spanish is available at http://www.office2007.com/hispano.
About the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center
The Friends of Boyle Heights strives to bring phenomenal resources to Los Angeles youth living in the community of Boyle Heights. A noncity entity composed of attorneys, artists, graphic designers and entertainment executives, the Friends of Boyle Heights brings technology, music and film resources in hopes of inspiring young minds. Located on a corner once plagued by violence and drug abuse, the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center now serves as a ray of hope. The 20,000-square-foot facility boasts a music recording studio, a college preparatory high school and recreation areas, and plans for a television studio are in the works. The Friends of Boyle Heights has adopted the Tech Center in an effort to enhance opportunities for future leaders. These youth, ranging from 14–24 years old, simply need a chance.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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