Securing sufficient time for computer usage was never a picnic for Tubman Sarpee or his son, Eddington.
Having to travel to the public library three days a week, they were only allotted half-hour time slots. Twenty additional minutes were tagged on if the library was not bustling.

These constraints seemed to stifle Eddington's ability to effectively perform his schoolwork, Sarpee said.

"They only give you certain amounts of time," said the resident of the 6500 block of Woodland Avenue. "It [is] a lot of stress in working with such a time, especially if you're working on a school project. It takes a longer time to do a single project."

Computers have become so commonplace, it is virtually impossible to function without one. Schools implement them in their curriculum, while assigning after-school projects that require their usage.

What, then, is the option for low-income residents lacking the money to buy and the skills needed to utilize these machines? Is it fair only wealthier people should benefit from computer usage in the comfort of their own homes?

Those were the dilemmas Elisabeth Stock, co-founder of Computers for Youth, set out to solve back in the late 1990s. The New York-based nonprofit revamps old computers, provides students and parents training on them and then distributes them to needy residents.

As part of a new initiative, 92 students, including Eddington, at George Pepper Middle School, 2901 S. 84th St., received free computers June 3. Saturday, the organization is expected to give away 108 more, once again offering training before handing over the goods to their new owners.

For Sarpee, it was not just about receiving a computer; it's about receiving a tool to empower children, especially his own.

"He [now] goes on the computer everyday," Sarpee said, "and everyday he goes on the computer, he learns something new."

Parents or guardians must attend the training session in order for families to receive the computers.

"We can't do it all by ourselves," Stock, president and cofounder of Computers for Youth, said. "The parents have to want to be involved in their student's education. The schools have to want to leverage these amazing resources."

Since its inception, Computers for Youth has distributed 8,000 home computers and trained more than 16,000 students and their families throughout New York City. And it's not finished yet.

Philadelphia was selected as part of the organization's national expansion because of plans to implement wireless Internet access throughout the city. Pepper was chosen since it fit the organization's criteria of having at least 75 percent of the student body eligible for free lunches.

Seeking help from New York's financial and legal sector, the organization was able to obtain and refurbish computers these businesses no longer wanted. Typically, they are high-quality machines, said Stock, noting they have at least 700 megahertz with Pentium III processors. Some even have DVD drives. Also installed on these computers are a slew of programs that assist with math, social studies and writing. One program, Read Please, converts text into voice and gives users the ability to hear what they have written.

Sharpee, a pastor at the Grace Worship Center, 6709 Woodland Ave., said Eddington has grown attached to the programs.

"It's a very exciting time for him and also encourages him to go to the math program to improve his skills," he said.

The organization distributes computers to middle school students because of their age.

"In the middle school years, they are making the critical decision about their life that would either have them dropping out of school or staying in school," Stock said.

Parental involvement, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, also declines at this age, she added.

Since a child only spends 13 percent of their waking hours in a classroom, computers are an effective way to engage both the parents and the student in collaborative activities at home, said Stock, adding computer owners also receive a reduced rate on dial-up Internet access.

"We feel that if we're really going to bridge the gap of high income and low income [residents], we can't only focus on what's being taught in the classroom," she said.

Pepper currently has three computer labs that are highly utilized. The school also served as the place where parents and students learned computer basics and how to use the Internet during Computer for Youth's training last week.

The event, said Principal Yolanda Armstrong, brought out more people than a school play.

"I've never seen happier faces than the faces here last Saturday," she said.

The principal highlighted the many benefits of computers, especially for low-income residents.

"It gives them access to the entire world. What more could you ask for? It's an educational tool, but it also broadens their horizons. If you can't go to Paris, at least you can see Paris on the Internet," she said. "The least of my concerns is getting them into a chatroom."

Sarpee plans to encourage his son to continue using the educational programs by "setting some realistic goals and having some rewards, so that it doesn't become a burden. It becomes an enjoyment."