    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 10, 2000]
    [Page 432]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the United Negro College Fund's Technology Enhancement
    Capital Campaign
    March 10, 2000

        Today the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced the creation of
    its Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign, a technology initiative
    that will bring digital opportunity to historically black colleges
    across the Nation. Through a $50 million contribution by Microsoft and
    key commitments from IBM and AT&T, UNCF will help empower students,
    faculty, and staff at all 39 UNCF member colleges by strengthening
    technology infrastructure and improving computer access. I applaud the
    creation of this partnership and strongly support the efforts behind it.
        While computer and Internet access has exploded in recent years,
    America continues to face a ``digital divide''--a gap between those who
    have access to information age tools and the skills to use them and
    those who don't. We cannot allow unequal access to deepen divisions
    along the lines of race, income, education level, and geography. I
    believe we can use technology to help make the American dream a reality
    for more citizens, and that is why I have made the effort to bring
    digital opportunity to all Americans a top administration priority.
        My administration is committed to doing its part to ensure that all
    Americans benefit from opportunities created by information technology.
    But the Government can not and should not do this alone. That is why I
    will lead a new markets trip the week of April 9th--designed to mobilize
    significant private and public efforts to close the digital divide.
    Efforts like the Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign are inspiring
    examples of what can be done in partnership to meet this important goal.