Cisco Donating Valet Wireless Routers To Oakland Charter School

Cisco Initiates “Wireless Takeover” With Donation of Cisco Valet Wireless Routers and Adapters for All Students of Oakland Charter High School

Cisco’s Simon Fleming-Wood, VP of Marketing for Cisco Consumer Products will host an event at ARISE Charter High School in the Fruitvale District of Oakland on Monday, February 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PST.  At the event, Cisco will stress the importance of closing the digital divide and provide ARISE students with all the 21st century learning tools they need to succeed by donating Valet Wireless Routers and Valet Connector Wireless USB Adapters to the families of the entire student body, grades 9-12, for use in their homes.

The need for a seamless school-to-home connection is even more important than ever, yet only one-third of U.S. homes are equipped with wireless, according to IDC. Cisco is addressing this need with a simple way to help more families benefit from home wireless. In addition to Cisco’s donation, the Oakland Tech Exchange West will be present to offer free home computers and training to ARISE students who don’t have them.

The press conference will be held at ARISE High School inside the Community Room. City of Oakland elected officials and school board members will be present to speak on the importance of technology in the classroom and at home.

What: Cisco Valet “Wireless Takeover” Router and Adapter Donation and Dedication
When: Monday, February 7, 2011, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PST
Where: ARISE High School, 3301 E. 12^th Street, Oakland, Ste. #205
Who: Simon Fleming-Wood, VP of Marketing for Cisco Consumer Products
Mayor Jean Quan, Mayor of Oakland
Claudia Burgos, Sr. Policy Analyst to Council member Ignacio De La Fuente
Bruce Buckelew, Director, Oakland Tech Exchange West
Dawanna Butler, ARISE High School Student
Noel Gallo, Board President, Oakland Unified School District
Tony Smith, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
Why:The accessibility to wireless at home connects teachers, parents and students for enhanced learning before and after school. Home wireless can also have a very positive impact on families by enabling an environment of anywhere, anytime learning in the home.