Dell and Miami-Dade Launch TechKnow Program; Local Teacher Wins Dell Technology Award; Michael Dell Encourages Youth to Win with Education, Commitment.

MIAMI -- Dell (Nasdaq:DELL) and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools today launched Dell's TechKnow program, an after-school project designed to enable students to earn a home computer, learn technology skills and prepare for life in the digital world.

Announced here by Dell Chairman Michael Dell and Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rudolph F. "Rudy" Crew, the Dell TechKnow program will benefit 100 students this fall. A Miami-Dade school teacher was also presented with a Dell Technology Award for Teacher Excellence during today's program launch. Mr. Dell also shared personal stories, answered questions and shared his passion for winning and for continuous learning with 2,000 Miami Springs Middle School students. Mr. Dell encouraged the students to find what they love to do and to turn that passion into a long-term career or avocation. But first, he counseled the students, focus on their education.

"The value and power of education and continuous learning has always been important in my family," said Mr. Dell. "When you continue to learn you are growing your skills and capabilities. You are building a solid foundation that is yours forever. But learning doesn't happen in a single moment; it happens all the time. I'm still passionate and learn every day -- it's how I continue to win in life."

Promoting 21st Century Skills

Mr. Dell and Dr. Crew also spoke to the students about the importance of 21st century skills as a key to success in the digital world. Twenty-first century skills include thinking and problem-solving, information and communication, and interpersonal and self-direction skills.

To help area students develop these skills, Dell announced the establishment of the Dell TechKnow program in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The Dell TechKnow program is a 40-hour after-school program providing underserved middle schools students with an opportunity to earn a home computer and learn technology skills that promote self-esteem, academic success, and prepare students for opportunities in today's technology-driven world.

This fall the program plans to enroll about 100 students from the following six Miami-Dade middle schools: Allapattah, Madison, Miami Edison, Miami Springs, Redland and Thomas Jefferson. Teachers from the school district will serve as instructors for the Dell TechKnow program. Their involvement reflects the district's commitment to provide all Miami-area educators and learners with a technology-rich environment that supports student achievement and produces lifelong learners ready to succeed in an information society.

Recognizing Excellence

In recognition of teachers who have already begun equipping students with the technology skills and inspiration they need to succeed, Mr. Dell today presented a Dell Technology Award for Teacher Excellence to Ms. Lourdes Whittington, a high school computer science teacher at Miami Sunset Senior High. She has taught classes at all levels from Algebra I to AP Calculus and AP Computer Science. Ms. Whittington is a network administrator and advanced placement computer teacher at the school. She helps her colleagues achieve a high comfort level using technology, and the resulting confidence is evident in the classroom.

About Dell TechKnow

Students in the Dell TechKnow program receive a free refurbished Dell(TM) desktop computer and work in teams to learn computer basics. Students learn how to take apart and re-build the computer, install software; upgrade, diagnose and fix basic hardware problems; and how to use the word processing and educational software. In addition, students must meet certain program requirements such as attending school, demonstrating good citizenship and sustaining or improving their grades. Upon completion of the course, students earn a refurbished Dell desktop computer, operating system and software to take home and one year of free Internet access. For more information about the program, visit www.dell.com/k12/techknow.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past four quarters totaled $45.4 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.