Many of you know Dionne Warwick as a famous singer, but did you know she has also been instrumental in making sure tomorrow’s entrepreneurs get a helping hand with technology?
After completing her upcoming memoir on an HP notebook, Ms. Warwick had an idea. She approached us to see if we’d help her build a technology lab at the Dionne Warwick Institute of Economics and Entrepreneurship, an elementary school in her hometown of East Orange, N.J., that exposes students to progressive themes in economics and entrepreneurship. Here at HP, we understand the importance of developing and supporting young entrepreneurs. After all, this same spirit was shared by Bill and Dave as they started HP in the garage at 367 Addison Avenue. So, this school year, these young kids will be able to create, market and execute fund-raising projects using new HP 6000 All-in-One PCs, netbooks and camcorders donated by Ms. Warwick and HP. And, of course this technology will be used to do research and create classroom projects.
Check out the video the school developed as the technology lab was set up:
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In an event at the Dionne Warwick Institute of Economics and Entrepreneurship several HP employees were honored to witness the heart-warming ribbon-cutting ceremony with Ms. Warwick. What Ms. Warwick and the school staff did not know is that HP had a surprise -- new Mini 100e netbooks with the name of the school emblazoned on the front.
Using the new technology lab and software from Adobe and Microsoft, students will learn about business planning and how to establish and run a business. To build vital skills these young entrepreneurs will also participate in the school’s tri-annual Market Day, where they decorate and sell a range of products, such as beaded jewelry, purses and lanyards that reflect seasonal or holiday themes. They’ll learn about advertising, product selection, business plans, target audiences, customer service and presentation. Students are encouraged to reinvest their profits in their business for the next Market Day, donate profits to their favorite charity or deposit profits into a bank account.
Check out this photo album to see more pictures of the school and its technology lab.
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