Yet something is happening in a Clint high school that has opened the door to a more promising economic future. There is a new sense of possibility for a number of students, and something even more tangible for the high school graduate hired by Gateway at double the going wage. AMD processors play a part in this powerful story, which illustrates how technology can create new opportunities.

The change began with a man named Ken Blystone, who, to hear him tell it, was just doing his job. As the newly appointed District Technology Coordinator for Clint, Blystone began three years ago to implement a program that gave students in computer technology classes a special responsibility: build, configure and maintain all the PC's and servers for the entire school district.

"Everything's fallen in place because of AMD and because the pricing was right," Blystone said. As proud as AMD is to supply quality parts, we take a back seat to Blystone, who supplied vision and determination to see that vision through. "In the beginning, our superintendent said he would give us $5,000 to 'practice.' The students and I would study web sites to try and figure out the best equipment to buy. Through trial and error, we found out which components work best together."

One working computer led to another and then another. And the $5,000 in seed money grew to $10,000. Even that was just the beginning. "We now have 600 PCs that are AMD processor-based," said Blystone. "This year, we're going to add 200 or 250 more. High performance computers based on AMD Athlon™ processors can function well as servers in the school environment. We're using them with multimedia software to do 3D graphics using Rhino. The speed of the machines makes using the Internet a lot faster. We're also using them to do online video transmission."

While many of the District's computers are in operation behind the scenes, many more are positioned front and center, in the classrooms. "In schools we call it 'time on task.' The quick response of the AMD Athlon processor-based systems in terms of booting up and shutting down allows teachers and students to make better use of their classroom time," Blystone said. "And graphic renderings can be accomplished much more quickly with a high performance AMD Athlon processor-based system."

Blystone's idea to give students practical experience developed into a program that he estimates has saved the school district tens of thousands of dollars in computer costs while giving students marketable skills coming out of high school.

"We're pleased that Ken Blystone and the students figured out that AMD technology gave Clint the biggest bang for its bucks," said Mike Wagner, AMD District Sales Manager. "We're happy that the program uses AMD processors exclusively, and now has more than 600 systems installed. But we're positively thrilled to see Ken use this technology to help deserving kids better themselves and develop skills they can use to get better paying jobs."

While Ken works with students, he is not on the Clint ISD staff as a teacher. The actual classes are taught by Ken's son, Dustin Blystone, who buys into his father's idea that if you're going to teach students about computers, teach them to build and maintain the ones the school district uses every day. Four students graduated last May after achieving an A+ certification for computer and peripheral repair. Dustin Blystone hopes to add ten more by January, 2001. After achieving their A+ Certification, the younger Blystone will have them begin working for an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional.)

The benefits of the students' work begin to resonate well before graduation. Bridging the Digital Divide begins with a new sense of possibilities coupled with a growing sense of self worth. "What matters most is not the numbers," confirmed Blystone. "It does wonders for a kid's self esteem to point to a computer on a teacher's desk and say, 'I built that.'"