For a person to be well-rounded, it is important to not only have a strong general (classical) education, but also to have a vocation. The classical education stands as vocations change. But to start off in the workforce and in the adult world, the ideal is to have both a strong foundation in academics and the ability to do something marketable, whether that be program a computer, conduct genetic research, dig an oil well, or drive a backhoe. I love reading about programs such as the following, and wish I heard about more of them – have any to share? – Heather

A program in Arizona provides schools, day-care centers and nonprofit organizations with refurbished and recycled computers. The program, a nonprofit initiated by Intel and Motorola in 1997, gave about 2,000 refurbished computers to 349 Arizona schools last year. The program also teaches students technical skills as they refurbish the computers. “The students learn the social responsibility of properly disposing e-waste,” a high-school computer instructor said. “The students also gain the experience of using their skills to help others and contribute to their community.” The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)