Program by Internet Provider Helps Schools Get Online

A Tarzana Internet services company has been giving holiday shoppers the opportunity to contribute to public education as they upgrade their computer systems.

Internet in a Mall, a national Internet provider, offered a free month online to people who donate their old modems at company booths in malls across Southern California. The modems will given to officials of Los Angeles County and Ventura County school districts to be distributed.

The modem collection is part of a program called Internet in a School, which was started by the company in partnership with several leading technology companies earlier this year. The program was designed to help schools increase access to the Internet by providing equipment and free training.

“The education of our children is the most important thing we can do, but . . . unfortunately, education budgets are shrinking,” said Howard Lefkowitz, CEO of Internet in a Mall.

The modems will be tested and refurbished before they are distributed.

Company officials said employees will be accepting used 9,600, 14,400 or 28,800 baud analog modems until Dec. 31.