Agilent Technologies to Announce Launch of SiliconValley Grants Program; First Major Community...

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2000

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A), will officially announce its first Silicon Valley grant -- a $250,000 donation to "Plugged In" -- at an event at the San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation

More than 200 "Plugged In" children and representatives from the public and private sectors, including San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, will attend a private screening of Disney's "Fantasia 2000," at which time Agilent will present its donation to the East Palo Alto-based organization.

The selection of the "Fantasia 2000" screening as a venue for the announcement has historical significance for Agilent, as Walt Disney Studios was an early important customer of Hewlett-Packard and Agilent founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard 60 years ago. At that time, Disney purchased Hewlett's invention of an audio oscillator to assist in the development and sound quality of Disney's film project, "Fantasia."

To underscore the historical ties, the Tech Museum will feature a special lobby display showcasing one of the original Hewlett audio oscillators.

"Plugged In" is a seven year old community technology center serving diverse populations of all ages in East Palo Alto. The Agilent grant, which reflects the company's commitment to science education for minorities, will help kick off the "Plugged In" capital campaign to fund construction and development of a new East Palo Alto community technology center, as well as a satellite facility in San Jose.

Agilent's donation is earmarked for a room that will be dedicated to hands-on science and inquiry-based learning. The room will provide children and their families with a nontraditional venue in which to participate in a variety of technology-based programs.

Bill Hahn, senior vice president of Agilent's Strategic Programs, will present the donation to "Plugged In" executive director Magda Esobar. According to Hahn, Agilent researched a variety of school districts and nonprofits throughout the Silicon Valley before selecting "Plugged In" as the grant recipient.

"We chose 'Plugged In' because of its stellar reputation as a resource for the community," said Hahn. "In addition, we felt that the best way to generate excitement and an interest in science among a diverse population would be to do it in a nontraditional educational venue. 'Plugged In' is clearly a unique and innovative place for kids to learn about science and we look forward to our continuing association with this organization."

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components.

The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.