see also: in November 2008:   Thanksgiving Day Marijuana Seizure Yields 450 Pounds at Douglas Port of Entry   Registered Sex Offender Intercepted by CBP at Pacific Highway Entry   CBP Officers Seize 145 Pounds of Ecstasy at Vermont Entry   CBP Officers in Boston Seize Undeclared $19,300   CBP Advises Travelers of Temporary Construction at Otay Mesa Border Crossing   CBP Officers in Niagara Falls Arrest Man Wanted in California   Customs and Border Protection Officers in New York Arrest Imposter ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers on the web:   Computers for Learning

contacts for this news release

Bellingham, Wash. – The U.S. Border Patrol strives to ensure that we utilize the most current technology to enable our agents to do their jobs as efficiently as possible.

We continually upgrade and replace already capable systems as newer technology is brought on-line. We regularly review our computer’s capabilities and replace those that are unable to handle the newer programs or peripherals. Many of the computers that are replaced are well suited for use at schools and will make an excellent fit in any classroom.

Executive Order No.12999 declares: "In order to ensure that American children have the skills they need to succeed in the information- intensive 21st century, the Federal Government is committed to working with the private sector to promote four major developments in American education: making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom; providing teachers with the professional development they need to use new technologies effectively; connecting classrooms to the National Information Infrastructure; and encouraging the creation of excellent educational software.” This Executive Order streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus federal computer equipment to our nation's classrooms and encourages federal employees to volunteer their time and expertise to assist teachers and to connect classrooms.

To help expedite this process, a website has been created to help schools find computers. To learn more visit the Computers for Learning Web site. ( Computers for Learning ) You can also email them at Computers.Learning@gsa.gov.

A school is eligible to receive donations through the Computers for Learning (CFL) program it if is a public, private or parochial school, serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. Day care centers must provide a state-approved preschool curriculum.

All CFL participants must be located in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Visit the website for more information about eligibility. Schools must pay the cost of shipping or transportation of the computers. In most cases packing will be done by the government agency.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.