FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 15, 2010

Web Professionals to Use Expertise to Meet Non-profits' and Local Schools' Tech Needs

Washington, DC—The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Corporation for National and Community Service launched the MLK Technology Challenge, a national call to web professionals to volunteer their skills on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, January 18.

The pilot initiative will link schools and non-profit organizations with IT and web professionals on the MLK Day of Service to help meet their technology needs. Developers, graphic designers, and new media professionals will provide skills training and mentor students on the latest web and software applications.

“Technology professionals share a sense of purpose that often extends beyond corporate walls and into their local communities,” said Aneesh Chopra, White House Chief Technology Officer. “This year, the Administration wants to tap into that spirit of generosity by collaborating with the Corporation for National and Community Service during the MLK Day of Service to launch the MLK Technology Challenge.”

Web professionals can find thousands of MLK Technology Challenge-related volunteer opportunities by searching Serve.gov/MLKTech. Below are examples of some of projects taking place on MLK Day.

  • In Washington, DC, and Mountain View, CA, on Saturday, volunteers will collaborate on technology projects that will provide data, information, maps and technical assistance to NGOs working on relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.
  • Volunteers will integrate lessons on Dr. King's work and legacy into computer based hands on learning projects in a Dallas, TX, elementary school.
  • National Lab Day, a non-profit project, has launched a recruitment campaign to connect web professionals with local schools to bolster their engineering, science, and technology programs.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service:

In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging Americans to observe the King Holiday as a national day of service that brings together people from different backgrounds to meet needs in their community. The Corporation for National and Community Service was designated as the lead federal agency to execute the King Day of Service. Participation has grown every year since then its inception. The King Day of Service provides Americans the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King through service to meet local and national needs. For more information, visit www.Serve.gov/MLKDay or http://www.mlkday.gov/.

The Corporation for National and Community Service:

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service each year through its core programs, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information about the Corporation, visit NationalService.gov.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.