Youth Tech's Original Press Release
America
Online Teams up with Sixteen
Year-old Whiz-Kid to Establish Youth Tech
Langhorne, PA/ Dulles, VA August 13, 1996 -- Youth Tech, an extraordinary service for kids and teens, celebrated their grand opening today in America Online's Computing Channel. Youth Tech (Keyword: YouthTech) is a technology community for kids and teens presenting information, live events, interactive discussion boards, and a full dictionary of computer terms known as "Techie Terms". Youth Tech is the only area on AOL providing information to kids and teens with a specific interest in technology.
"After being in
school all day, learning more is the last thing any of us want to do.
Youth Tech provides ways to bring kids and teens together and
give them opportunities to share their interests. There's no better avenue
to reach this audience then via AOL," said Jeremy Wechsler,
sixteen year-old founder of Youth Tech.
"The online realm is definitely going to be our future.
If we're going to take the expectations we have and turn them into
realities, the younger generation has to be informed."
"We're delighted
to adopt Youth Tech into the AOL community," said Ted Leonsis,
president of AOL Services Company. "By providing live chats, engaging
content, and online activities, Youth Tech puts the information across in
a bright way that kids will enjoy. It's the best computing content
out there, by kids, for kids."
YouthTech formed in
September 1995 on Apple's Online Service, eWorld, went from a few hundred
members to almost 5,000 members worldwide.
In its original inception, Youth Tech provided live events, a
Virtual Information Zone, computer assistance, and other features
helpful and entertaining to members.
Jeremy Wechsler,
sixteen-year old founder of Youth Tech, has extensive experience in
computing and online communications. His first effort was to set up a
local bulletin board service that started with one call every so often to
over one hundred logins. Once online
services entered the market, Jeremy moved onto eWorld, hosting another
popular kids forum. When the
opportunity arose, Jeremy designed Youth Tech.
In just a few months, the service was up and running. "I
wanted to make a difference and give back a wonderful experience, as I
first received when I first connected online," said Jeremy,
"Everyday I sign on, I get the gratifying experience of seeing
others enjoy themselves from my efforts.
I do this because I simply enjoy it."
The Youth Tech staff is
comprised of multi-talented, experienced staff who enjoy computing.
The staff hosts online conferences and builds parts of the Youth
Tech area on AOL. The area is
headed by Jeremy Wechsler and coordinated by Audrey Okaneko.
America Online, Inc., (NASDAQ Symbol: AMER), based in Dulles, Virginia, is the largest consumer online service in the world, with more than 6 million members worldwide. Through its services, AOL offers its subscribers a wide variety of services including electronic mail, conferencing, software, computing support, interactive magazines and newspapers, and online classes, as well as easy and affordable access to services on the Internet. Founded in 1985, AOL today has a global work force consisting of more than 5,000 people. Personal computer owners can obtain America Online software at major retailers and bookstores or by calling 800/827-6364.
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