Dell and FASE Introduce a Public Service Announcement Campaign To Encourage Study of Math and Science

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 1, 1999 -- Have you ever dreamed of quitting your desk job to take a sabbatical in space, design a wind-sail, invent your own toy or to create a faster skateboard? If you have ¾ you need to hone your math skills.

In the next millennium, Generation Y will enjoy greater choices for unique careers in a variety of fields, but access to these careers will depend on skills in math and science. Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, and the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education (FASE) teamed with NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris today to introduce a new Public Service Announcement program aimed at school-aged children. The campaign features select jobs that rely on math and science and encourages students to continue studying these subjects.

"Students should understand that math and science skills are critical to their futures regardless of the career paths they choose," said Ro Parra, senior vice president and general manager of Dell Public Americas and International. "Dell is committed to creating a more rounded workforce by showing students that the technology jobs of the future, like those at Dell, rely on a strong foundation in math and science."

During his visit today to Austin's Kealing Junior High School, Dr. Harris, who is also a licensed private pilot, discussed the importance of math, science and technology to students. 

Dr. Harris, who has logged more than 438 hours and 8 million miles in space ¾ including assignments on the Space-lab D-2 and spaceshuttle Columbia ¾is one of 12 professionals featured in the minute-long PSAs, which are entitled "Want this Job? Do Your Math."

The television and Internet PSA campaign was produced by FASE and sponsored by Dell. The PSAs are currently are running locally on KLRU-TV, Austin and on PBS stations across the country, offering rich views of the challenges - and rewards - of the careers that utilize math.

Students, parents and teachers who want to view the PSA's can also go to Michael Dell's new Website, www.dell.com/michael, which includes a page specifically designed for kids.

Dell's efforts in launching the new kid-friendly Website and the PSAs are intended to help create technologically honed students with strong backgrounds in math and science, which Dell believes will be extremely important over the next several years as the workplace becomes more technologically advanced. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' 1998 Employment Projections report indicates the number of jobs for database administrators, computer support specialists and computer scientists will grow by 118 percent between 1996 and 2006, making it the fastest growing sector among all types of jobs.

"Teachers are being told to make their classes more relevant to the workplace," said Steve Heard, FASE executive producer. "But how many have the opportunity to visit a biologist protecting endangered species or an engineer exploring new forms of energy? Our productions, like Want This Job,? help them make that connection. We show kids jobs they probably didn't know existed and fascinating people they wouldn't otherwise meet."