Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW sponsors Illinois High School Students in National Robotics Competition VERNON HILLS, Ill. - February 24, 1999 - In its continuing effort to foster technology education in the face of massive IT labor shortages, CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDWC), a Fortune 1000 company and the country's leading direct solutions provider of brand name computer products, sponsored a team of 22 Libertyville High School students in the FIRST Robotics Competition, which kicks off tomorrow with a regional contest in Palatine, Ill. A dedicated community partner throughout its 15-year history, CDW has recently increased its focus on improving technology education, making the robotics competition sponsorship a natural fit. In addition to donating more than $4,000 to fund the project, CDW has partnered with CMS Air Express Service to provide crating and shipping for "Chester," the 6-foot, 130-lb. robot, which the students designed and built in just six weeks. "Our team really appreciates CDW's help," said Scott Detlie, a 17-year-old Libertyville High School senior and captain of the robotics team. "We have a very small budget--we even pay for some of the robot's parts ourselves." This fall, Detlie will attend Purdue University, where he plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. At the FIRST competition, each robot plays an interactive game called "Double Trouble." Last year, the Libertyville students placed in the national competition, beating out more than half the other teams. With CDW's support, they hope to place even higher this year. FIRST, which sponsors the national competition, is a non-profit organization that aims to generate an interest in science and engineering among young people. According to Libertyville senior and second-year robotics team member Brian Rancine, 18, the hardest part of building Chester was developing a good solid design. Rancine, who also will attend Purdue, plans to major in computer science, with a minor in computer animation. Sponsoring the robotics team is just one element of CDW's ongoing commitment to furthering technology education and part of the company's long-term partnership with Libertyville High School. Another joint program, the "CDW Shadow the Tech Program," brings Libertyville students to CDW each week for paid internships, including hands-on training and technology certifications. Steve Erisman, a recent CDW Shadow the Tech intern said, "It's the best way to get experience working with computers, especially brand new technology. Plus, you get to know a lot of really great people, and you find out how a company works." These local technology education programs not only benefit the company and the community in the short term, they also help develop long-term solutions to the nation's growing IT labor shortage. According to a recent report from the Information Technology Association of America, there are more than 346,000 unfilled IT jobs in the United States, making technology education more important than ever. By supporting educational initiatives like the FIRST Robotics Competition, CDW helps develop the next generation of technology specialists and strengthens relationships with people and organizations in its local community. "This sponsorship, along with our many other philanthropic activities, lets us put CDW's vast knowledge of technology to its best possible use," said CDW CEO Michael Krasny. "Helping people around us to learn about computers creates a win-win situation for us and for our community. In this 15th anniversary year, we are especially proud to help educate and encourage tomorrow's technology gurus." CDW's commitment to technology education extends throughout the Chicagoland area. The company recently provided computer equipment to outfit a downtown Chicago computer learning lab for the homeless and unemployed. Additionally, local Girl Scout troops visit CDW headquarters for tours and workshops to earn their computers and technology merit badges. And, the company recently donated equipment for a new computer lab at the Illinois Crossroads Girl Scout Council. CDW's recent and ongoing technology education initiatives are one part of the company's 15th anniversary campaign, which recognizes and celebrates CDW's successful partnerships with its coworkers, customers and its community. As one of only two Illinois companies named to FORTUNE magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," CDW has established a successful partnership with its coworkers, evidenced by a corporate philosophy that says,"coworkers come first." In this 15th anniversary year, the company is taking its coworker partnership to the next level, with the fall opening of the new CDW Childcare and Fitness Center. About CDW CDW® (NASDAQ: CDWC), a Fortune 1000 company, is the country's leading direct solutions provider, offering complete, customized computing solutions for business and consumers nationwide. With competitive prices on a selection of thousands of brand name computer products, CDW is the No. 1 authorized direct source of Compaq, Computer Associates, IBM, Microsoft, Toshiba and other top name brands. Founded in 1984 as a one-man, home-based business, CDW today employs more than 1,500 coworkers whose efforts generated net sales of $1.7 billion for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 1998. CDW's pioneering direct model offers personalized expertise through one-on-one relationships with highly-trained, knowledgeable account managers; telephone and online purchasing; custom configured solutions; next day shipping; and lifetime phone and online technical support, with close to 60 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff. Formally known as Computer Discount Warehouse, the company shortened its name to CDW in conjunction with the October 1998 launch of its first corporate branding campaign, which also included the introduction of a new logo and corporate tagline, Computing Solutions Built for Business™. For more information About CDW's products and services, call 800-797-4239 or visit the award-winning e-commerce Web site at www.cdw.com. For media inquiries or general company information, please call CDW's media relations at 888-CDW-7040.