A program designed to provide state-of-the-art computer labs to public schools and non-profit community agencies is currently benefiting The Next Step Tutoring Program, an after-school curriculum coordinated by the Mexico Public School District. GTECH Corporation, in partnership with the Missouri Lottery, will officially unveil its After School Advantage Program in Mexico at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The event – to be held at the district's Richardson Hall Board Room at its central administrative offices, 920 South Jefferson – is open to the public, and will specifically showcase a new $20,000 computer lab.

"Through the program, GTECH donates an average investment of $20,000 in state-of-the-art computers, on-line technology, software and volunteer hours to select after-school programs in communities where GTECH offices are located," stated Elena Chiaradio, a spokesperson for the organization, which serves as on-line lottery technology and service partner to the Missouri State Lottery. She noted that the Mexico computer lab is equipped with "15 state-of-the-art computers, eight tables, chairs, and educational software."

"This provides learning opportunities for students in the after-school program, and we're very excited to add technology tools that can be used to help improve student learning," stated Tina Woolsey, superintendent of Mexico Public Schools. She noted that the lab has been operational since the start of the current school year.

Added Chiaradio: "A thorough review of both the school and the community after-school programs is conducted where GTECH offices are located to determine eligibility for the After School Advantage program. GTECH volunteers work with each site across the country to determine the best technology solutions for the centers."

Started in April 1999, the After School Advantage program has been implemented in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In Missouri, comparable labs have previously been set up in Blue Springs, Jefferson City and St. Louis. To date, GTECH has provided funding for 119 After School Advantage labs throughout the country.

According to Woolsey, The Next Step Program "is for the at-risk students, from kindergarten through 8th grade." She added: "It starts at 3:30 in the afternoon, and ends at 5:30, and we have approximately 30 students who have an after school tutoring program. It is manned by three staff members that we employ, and then also volunteers throughout the community. For example, the Kiwanis group sends volunteers regularly to help students. So we try to lower the student-teacher ratio, and many times it is actually one-on-one. And if the students need intense help, they get that help through that tutoring program."

For more information about After School Advantage, visit the Web site www.gtech.com/about_gtech/after_school.asp.