Situated in Fruitvale Village, ARISE High School is a small charter with about 200 students. Last year, its graduating class boasted a 100-percent, four-year college acceptance rate.

This success didn't go unnoticed.

Simon Fleming-Wood, VP of Marketing for Cisco Consumer Products, and an Oakland resident, visited the school Monday to donate to the entire student body Valet Wireless Routers from CISCO Systems.

ARISE juniors and seniors - many wearing shirts with "Got College" printed across the front with A-G requirements on the back - attended the event. Students listened as speakers emphasized the importance of closing the digital divide.

Claudia Burgos, who attended on behalf of Council Member Ignacio De La Fuente, talked about being a first generation college student and not having constant computer and Internet access until she reached the university level. She also emphasized students' ability to use this new technology as an opportunity to teach their parents.

The importance of technology, specifically Internet access, for students and their families could not be understated during the dedication. Speakers at the event, Bruce Buckelew (Oakland Tech Exchange West), Noel Gallo (OUSD Board President), Tony Smith (OUSD Superintendent) and Mayor Jean Quan, all emphasized the possible impact and opportunities that are made available when communities reach to close the digital divide.

"I was driving by late one night," Mayor Quan said referring to the new East Oakland Community Library. "I noticed some kids sitting by the curb and I realized what they were doing. It was because all Oakland libraries now have free WiFi," she said, explaining that the students were outside with laptops doing their homework.

While Cisco provided the routers, representatives from Oakland Tech Exchange - OTX West - offered free computers for students.

"In order for a router to be functional, you need a computer as well as the Internet," said Domingo Vazquez, Director if Curriculum and Training for OTX West. "We are here to remind everyone that computers are available for Oakland students grades 6-12. All a student has to do is attend a three-hour, one-time only class with parent, and at the end of the class they receive a voucher for a refurbished computer."

So what does this donation mean to school that already appears successful on all fronts?

"I feel like we are going to have more people doing greater things and greater work," high school senior Dawanna Butler said.

Butler is one of many students who emails  her essays to teachers for edits before the actual due date. However, she notes that with students who can't get online at home, these pre-edits may not be an option since the school library is generally packed. And while teachers and staff often stay around for students to use the facilities, there are also students who unable to stay on campus until 7 or 8 p.m. to work on assignments.

"The Internet and technology is so powerful," Dawanna said. "I'm sure that having that power at home is going to help a lot of students."

The enthusiasm was shared by students, city officials and school board members a like as they referenced the importance of businesses contributing to local communities.

"I'm really excited that we've continued to build partnerships," said Smith, as the majority of students headed back to class to continue with their school day. "Obviously CISCO has seen the good work in this school and not only the good work of teachers and adults, but also the success of the kids. They're investing in kids and I love that."