EarthLink and NRTA Partner for National Launch of GenerationLink in Washington, DC

McKinley Technology High School Students Teach Adults 60+ How to Use the Internet

 | October 25, 2005

In collaboration with NRTA: AARP's Educator Community, McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC, today will launch an innovative program created by EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), to bring together older adults, net-savvy teenagers and the Internet.

The program, GenerationLink, is a classroom-based initiative that enlists high school students to teach seniors how to use the Internet. Developed by EarthLink in 2002, GenerationLink fosters intergenerational understanding by using the Internet to forge a connection between teens and seniors. The program has launched locally in a handful of cities, but now, EarthLink has collaborated with Scholastic, Inc., to develop a national, standards-based curriculum that allows any school to download lesson plans and implement GenerationLink, available at www.scholastic.com/generationlink.

"What better way to bring people together than through the Internet," said Christopher Putala, executive vice president of public policy for EarthLink. "GenerationLink gives us the opportunity to create a dialogue between teens and seniors in a way that enriches the lives of both generations."

"Computers can provide an important way for older adults to communicate with family and friends. The Internet provides an additional source to connect individuals to new resources and information, encouraging them to be engaged, grow and meet their ever-changing needs and interests. The Internet also can provide a critical linkage that reduces isolation and allows more people to remain independent and lead satisfying lives," said Dr. Annette S. Norsman, director of NRTA: AARP's Educator Community.

Beginning today, GenerationLink will bring 10 local senior citizens, aged 60 and above, to sit side by side with McKinley Technology High School students. The students will teach the adults how to send e-mail, surf the Web and download attachments. The one-hour class will run for six weeks, with the high school students serving as Internet mentors and teachers for the adults. "Teaching a vital skill like this gives students a sense of accomplishment and furthers their understanding of the seniors' lives and perspectives," said Daniel Gohl, principal at McKinley Technology High School. "There is no doubt that this is how you build character among our youth, and we applaud EarthLink for supporting this partnership."

"As a school district, we realize that our mission is not only to educate the future leaders of our community, but also to prepare better citizens for the nation, as well as trustworthy and responsible human beings for the world. Collaborations such as this between EarthLink, the NRTA and the District of Columbia Public Schools are a win-win situation. The students learn about the importance of taking an active role in the community, and our community seniors benefit from the care and technical expertise of our students," said Clifford B. Janey, Ed.D., superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools.

To date, EarthLink has launched GenerationLink programs in Atlanta , Orlando, Dallas, Philadelphia, Denver, Minneapolis, Cambridge and Brooklyn. As testimony to the program's success, participating seniors continue to use email to stay in touch with faraway children and grandchildren, while others are using the Internet to explore information and hobbies, such as reading a hometown newspaper.

The program was created in part to address a study published in February 2002 by the U.S. Department of Commerce that found teenagers to be the most prolific Internet users, while seniors over age 55 show a sharp drop in Internet use.

Putala noted that plans are underway for launching GenerationLink programs in additional cities. "We've seen so much enthusiasm for this program already. The seniors are eager to go online and use email, and the students are proud of their role as teacher and mentor—ultimately we'd like to bring this program to more schools and senior centers across the country," Putala said.

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net.

About NRTA: AARP's Educator Community Founded in 1947 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA: AARP's Educator Community (formerly known as the National Retired Teachers Association) is a division of AARP. NRTA members share a commitment to learning, voluntary service, and civic participation. NRTA is the largest national organization that represents the interests of 50+ educators, with a membership of more than one-million active and retired educators and school personnel at the local, state, and national level. The NRTA Network includes a national office in Washington, DC, 53 state and city associations, and more than 2,700 local associations. NRTA members are dedicated to continuous educational opportunity, advocacy, and service as a means of safeguarding the economic security, work opportunities, and future well-being of all generations. Visit NRTA's website at www.aarp.org/nrta for more information.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.