[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.