(Detroit) June 15, 2005—Jeannette Perryman, a 17-year-old Northwestern High School junior, has dreamed of attending Harvard University since she was in sixth grade. This summer, her dream might become a reality. Perryman has been accepted into Harvard Summer School, an exclusive program for high school students, and given a scholarship to cover tuition. But in order to attend, she still needs $3,825 to cover room and board.

“When I got the acceptance letter the first thing I did was laugh and thank God. I was elated,” says Perryman. “The summer program will give me the essentials needed to succeed after high school.”

Despite economic hardship, severe asthma and other challenges, Perryman has achieved in and out of the classroom. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Michigan Youth in Government and the Student Council at Northwestern, where she takes advanced placement and honors classes. Perryman is also a participant in a student program at TechTown, Detroit’s only research and technology park.

The digital divide has left many young people without access to computers and without an education that can lead to inclusion in the technology-based economy. Committed to preparing youth for high tech careers, TechTown hosts the program that assisted Perryman with her Harvard Summer School application and tuition scholarship.

The Parent Child Computer Learning Foundation, a community-based organization, brings Wayne State University students to TechTown to mentor high school students from throughout Detroit during the academic year. A start-up company at TechTown, Academic Computing Environments, has voluntarily created a computer lab for student use.

“TechTown was launched to empower entrepreneurs to build successful technology companies. We are also dedicated to strengthening the local community,” says Howard Bell, TechTown’s executive director. “We consider it our responsibility to help transform Detroit students into the knowledge workers of the future. That’s why we are thrilled to support Jeannette’s goal to study at Harvard.”

TechTown is accepting tax-deductible contributions for Perryman. Donors should make checks out to TechTown, indicating that the gift is for Jeannette Perryman on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to TechTown, Entrepreneurial Suite, ATTN: Jeannette Perryman Fund, 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202, by June 24, 2005.

TechTown provides the support and access to capital needed to build technology businesses in Detroit. We are a community of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, service providers and corporate partners. TechTown’s mission is to contribute to the economic renaissance of downtown Detroit by creating an internationally recognized entrepreneurial village.