Working to close the digital divide through
role models

Throughout the last semester of 2004, IBM mentors and students shared online exercises covering topics such as Math and Science, Art Education, Career Development and more. But, significantly, many nonacademic topics were also covered. Most of the IBM mentors were familiar with — or fluent in — Spanish, a skill that helped them reach out to the students.

“It was a good opportunity to work with Hispanic children and learn from them about what they
need in school and [their] community,” said
Manuel Monserrate, IBM Retail Store Solutions.
“The program was a good way to strengthen

Learning as much as they teach

As much as the children gained from their IBM role models, the volunteers took even more away from the experience. “I learned that it really doesn’t take much to make a difference in another person’s life,” said Dwayne Dreakford, IBM Software Group and IBM MentorPlace coordinator for the semester. “I also learned that the learning process itself is a two-way street. Communicating with my student taught me as much about myself as I learned about him.”

“I wish everyone could have seen the joy on those children’s faces when they stepped off the bus and saw their mentors,” said Anne McNeill, who coordinated the program for IBM Corporate Community Relations. “At that point, you know all the hard work is worth it. It was a moving experience.”