The Regional Technology Alliance and the Waitt Family Foundation opened the new center at YWCA South Center in Southeast San Diego. Real estate and economic development officials have long called for programs that promote high-tech training to retain local jobs and companies in the area.

To bridge the divide, the two organizations will work with schools and community centers in San Diego to install computer labs. All 17 centers will be opened this year. At the YWCA Children's Services South Center on Logan Avenue, the Waitt Foundation is donating 15 computers, furniture and technical services, all valued at more than $38,000. CoxCommunications is providing the necessary telecommunications services to connect the computers to the Internet.

"We are taking a major step towards bridging the digital divide in our community," said Ted Waitt, chairman of Gateway Inc. and cofounder of the foundation. "(We're) proud to be a part of this critical initiative that offers our children greater opportunities for success and strengthens the future our local economy."