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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Scholars' Program Helps Middle Schoolers Bridge the Digital Divide with "eBus" California State University, Chico's Educational Talent Search Program hosted its annual 7th/8th Grade Scholars' Program on Nov. 27, 2001, next to the campus's Bell Memorial Union. Attending the program were 98 students and eight chaperones from the following schools: Chico Junior High School, Central Middle School (Oroville), Egling Middle School (Colusa), Hamilton Elementary School (Hamilton City), Anna McKenney Intermediate School (Marysville) and C.K. Price Middle School (Orland).Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded program that seeks to prepare and motivate 800 students in grades 6-12 for success in postsecondary education. ETS works in 22 schools in six northern counties, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties. ETS students receive help with postsecondary exploration, goal setting, academic assistance, academic tutoring, financial aid and scholarship assistance along with academic tutoring from college-aged mentors. The purpose of the Scholars' Program is to allow students as young as the 7th grade to begin exploring their college options. Aside from tours of the campus, cultural activities and visits to the campus's Roth Planetarium, students participated in hands-on engineering activities. One activity had students working together to learn about principles of physics and engineering as they constructed "sail cars." The cars were set in front of a fan, and those that traveled the farthest were awarded prizes and certificates. Students entered the world of technology on the "eBus," a 40-foot, fully equipped mobile computer lab with 16 computer workstations. The "eBus," sponsored by the Community College Foundation, travels throughout the state and brings technology access to underserved communities, free of charge. A portable satellite is used to obtain a two-way wireless connection to the Internet. Aboard the "eBus," instructors can provide training in computer basics and literacy, assist with computerized job search and employment development skills, and support after-school programs. "It's always satisfying to bring students to campus and give them exposure to the facilities and programs we take for granted," said Allan Bee, ETS director. "Just being in the BMU is an eye opener for many of our students. It's never too soon to start motivating them toward higher education." Computers influence students' lives now more than ever. Regrettably, rural and low-income students who attend schools with limited finances often do not have access to cutting-edge computer technology. The collaboration between ETS and the Foundation is designed to help students gain such exposure and help them understand the importance of education beyond high school. ### 
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