MEDIA INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2011
Consumers Energy computers refurbished
by Career Center students, donated to community
Students turn real-world experience into charitable donations
JACKSON, Mich. – When Consumers Energy asset management administrator Marge Hobe offered nine
outdated and broken computers to Jackson Area Career Center computer instructor William Farrant, he jumped
into action and picked up the hardware from the salvage yard. He knew right away the old equipment would be
a great, real-world project for his class.
“Consumers Energy gave these computers to us in good faith that we would donate them back to the
community,” said Farrant. “We aligned with the Napoleon Leadership class taught by Liz Hampton to process
the end product out to under-privileged and disabled recipients.”
Career Center students replaced broken parts such as power buttons, drawers, hinges, etc., and installed new
operating systems with anti-virus software. The like-new computers were then delivered to Hampton’s class for
distribution.
“This was a winning combination for our students, our community, and Consumers Energy,” said Farrant. “I
wanted to give my students hands-on experience in a real-world work environment. Having a resource to donate
equipment and teaming up with the Napoleon class that was already doing something like this helped us all
accomplish a great project.”
For more information on Career Center programs, call (517) 768-5211 or visit www.jacc-mi.net.
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Photo and caption: Jackson Area Career Center Computer Systems Technology students David Ray (left), a Napoleon High School senior; and
Parker Rose, junior from Western High School, run a diagnostic test on a refurbished computer.
CONTACTS:
William Farrant
Jackson Area Career Center
(517) 990-6616
william.farrant@jcisd.org
Cindy Lyons
Communications/Career Prep Coordinator
Jackson Area Career Center
(517) 768-5211
cindy.lyons@jcisd.org