By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 5/19/05)

When Joanne Schiefer started teaching in the computer science department at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria four years ago, the computer labs were equipped with "little notebook PCs."

"They were adequate, but you know how often things change," she said. "You can’t run dinosaurs and expect them to keep up."

Schiefer’s husband retired from IBM and as part of its Matching Grants Program was able to make a donation to the school and have it quadrupled by the computer company.

Through the program, an IBM employee or retiree can donate up to $5,000 and IBM will give the school of their choice equipment and related software up to five times the gift’s value.

In the last four years, Ireton has received more than 50 computers through the program. The school has been able to outfit three labs with new computers and has been able to place the better computers that were in the labs in classrooms and the library.

There are 210 working computers in the school. Each machine has a lifespan of about five years, so each year about 30 computers need to be replaced.

Last year the school ordered 19 desk top computers, one laptop, five flat-panel monitors, one regular monitor and two printers.

In order to graduate, students at Ireton are required to complete at least one credit of courses (usually two half-credit classes) in computer science. Besides basic computer classes, the school also offers classes in Web design, Java, multimedia programs, networking and operating systems.

"With advances in technology, the operating systems force you to go bigger," said Lou Tonti, network administrator at Ireton. "We can stay more up to date (because of the grants). It’s a generous program on (IBM’s) part."

St. Luke School in McLean also has benefited from the program. In the last four years the elementary school has received more than 20 computers and IBM software for reading, math and science classes.

"It’s a great program," said Principal David DiPippa. The donor family has been giving about $1,000 to the school each year. While that might only buy one computer at full price, because of IBM matching the donation, the school has been able to purchase five times as much equipment than they could with the donation alone.

To be eligible for the matching grant program, a school must be an accredited preschool, elementary or secondary school in the United States that is not for profit, either public or private. Gifts are limited to $5,000 per eligible donor (IBM employee, or retiree on IBM retirement plan) per school and $10,000 per school each calendar year.

For more information go to www.ibm.com/ibm/ibmgives/grant/index.shtml.