It appears that Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore will endorse a recommended tax credit program for companies that offer internships to technology students and recent graduates. Contributing to the problem are federal government agencies that often needlessly require four-year college degrees for jobs. While the companies want to hire new graduates, the hiring policies favor those with several years experience. The governor is scheduled to speak to the 38 member panel today at George Mason University. Microsoft, Channel One, Hewlett-Packard and Nike's involvement have brought personal computers, Internet access, cable connections, athletic equipment, money and experience to the classroom.
Critics charge that such partnerships commercialize the classroom.
The author views the partnerships between schools and corporations as a way to bridge the digital divide and equalize school district funding disparities. It's at this time when consumers are at the greatest risk. Indeed, executives, analysts and consumer groups say they all hear the same lament from people fed up with the complexities. Several companies that are trying to compete with incumbent telecom companies to offer consumers lower prices for services say they're being denied access to potential customers because landlords have existing service deals with the regional Bell companies. On the other hand, building owners say they don't want dozens of these start-up companies traipsing onto their properties.