[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF PALADIN DATA SYSTEMS' SUPPORT OF THE WESTSOUND 
                               CONSORTIUM

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, when I travel across Washington 
state, one of the first topics I hear about from local businesses and 
high-tech companies is their need for people with high-tech skills. A 
Poulsbo company, Paladin Data, has taken their efforts to find skilled 
employees to a new level by donating is time and resources to train 
teachers in some of Washington state's public schools. For its 
commitment to working with teachers, improving student learning and 
expanding their skills, I am pleased to present Paladin Data with one 
of my `Innovation in Education' Awards.
  Several years ago, seven school districts in Kitsap, Mason, and 
Pierce Counties developed the West Sound School-to-Career Consortium 
which provides approximately 14,000 students with high-tech classes. 
This year Paladin Data will begin its first year of a three-year 
project that provides high-tech training to teachers involved with the 
West Sound School-to-Career program. Paladin data is also contributing 
$50,000 in matching funds to a state grant of $100,000 to provide 
needed curriculum materials and onsite teacher training in either a 
Paladin facility in Poulsbo or at a designated school district site. 
Moreover, each school district will determine what training their 
teachers will receive based on the needs of their district and their 
students.
  Paladin is giving our teachers more information and skills that they 
can take back to their classrooms and shows teachers what skills 
employers are looking for in perspective employees, giving their 
students a leg up on the competition. Paladin's involvement is not only 
improving the education of our students, but also giving them an 
accurate picture of what skills they need well-before they enter the 
job market.
  The Washington Software Alliance reports that over 64,000 computer-
related jobs are currently unfilled in the State of Washington--all for 
lack of properly trained workers. I find it encouraging to see 
companies like Paladin Data, that are contributing to our booming 
economy, are taking an active role in ensuring the quality education of 
our children. I am proud to acknowledge Paladin Data System Systems 
Corporation's commitment to education and I look forward to hearing 
about more companies making a contribution to our children's 
future.

                          ____________________