Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century

1996-04-19Executive Order 12999
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Federal Agencies Must Donate Surplus Computers to Schools

What it does: Agencies must give schools and nonprofits first priority for surplus computer equipment, transfer it at low cost, and encourage staff to help connect and support classrooms.

Real World Impact:
  • More classrooms receive donated computers, printers, and related equipment.
  • Federal employees may volunteer to connect, train, and maintain classroom technology.
  • Schools in enterprise communities and empowerment zones get special donation priority.
Topics: education technology, school resources, federal property, volunteer service

Summary

This order directs federal agencies to protect, recycle, and transfer surplus computers and related equipment to schools and nonprofit education groups, giving them first priority and low-cost access. Agencies should especially favor schools in enterprise communities and empowerment zones and may transfer equipment directly or through the General Services Administration.

Agencies are encouraged to have employees with computer skills volunteer to connect classrooms, train teachers, and maintain equipment. Each agency must submit an implementation plan to the Office of Science and Technology Policy within six months.

The goal is to expand students' access to technology and classroom resources.

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