"13 Scribes" installs the Gaithers' new computer under the "Computers in the 'Hood" program

From Correspondent Rick Lockridge

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Studies have shown that even among middle class and upper-income African-American families, only about 11 percent have computers at home, compared to 70 percent of white families.

Black leaders already have expressed alarm by this widening technology gap. Now an Atlanta software engineering company has launched a new program to try to combat it.

"Computers in the 'Hood" is an initiative sponsored by 13 Scribes Inc. that provides low-cost financing for families to buy low-cost computers, with installation and training included.

The Gaither family of suburban Lithonia recently got its first computer through the program.

Studies show that only about 11 percent of black families have computers at home

In just two weeks, Jamia, 6, has improved her math skills and Monishia, 15, has taught her father how to use a mouse and buy something online.

Anthony, 19, has done what every teen-ager would do: He's met a girl online with whom he's had some "really good conversations." ( 715KB/8 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

His mother says "that's just a little fad."

"I think it has (had) a great impact on the family," says father Melvin Gaither. "I can see that they're very interested in a lot of things (that are) going to help them in the future." ( 110KB/10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

"We're in the game now," says his wife, Cathy.

In addition to launching this program, 13 Scribes is trying to bring the gospel of technology to the African-American community in another way. It set up its shop in a part of the city where job and education opportunities are often limited.

"We're putting it in the community where people can get at it, where they can see us come to work every day. So it's no longer just drug dealers that's driving nice cars. It's engineers, too," says company spokesman Barney Taylor. ( 97K/8 sec. AIFF sound)