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Playing2Win Inc. is a non-profit community technology center located in Harlem, NY. Antonia Stone founded the organization in 1980. Playing2Win's first location was in the basement of a public housing building. Later on the organization was moved to its current location in a storefront on 111th Street and Fifth Avenue. Its mission is to bring computer literacy to inner-city communities, and to provide access to technology and education for those who typically lack such opportunity. Antonia recognized the powerful effect that the desktop computer would have on society, employment, and educational opportunities. Initially, Playing2Win's efforts focused on prison inmates and ex-offenders by promoting the educational use of computers, and offering technical assistance to correctional facilities and rehabilitation agencies (1980-1982). The success of the Playing2Win program with this population suggested a broader application, and, in 1983, Playing2Win opened the country's first public access technology learning center to be established in an inner city, low-income area. The technology center was equipped with computers, printers, and limited multimedia equipment and was made available to members of the Harlem community who were interested in improving their computer literacy. Over time, the Harlem Center became a recognized technology resource in the community not only in its capacity to provide access, but also in its ability to advise other inner-city organizations how to set up and operate technology programs. Playing2Win's HarlemCommunity Technology Center has been in continuous operation for over twenty years, serving a wide range of participants from pre-school to senior citizens. Our staff has worked directly with many different ethnic groups and cultures. We have activities for after-school programs, for adult literacy students, and for employees of local businesses. In 1992-1993, with the support of a grant from the National Science Foundation, Playing2Win set-up a Playing2Win Network now known as CTC Net. This was designed to support the introduction of technology into educational and social service organizations serving low-income communities throughout New England and the rest of the country. The goal of the network project was to organize institutions with similar goals, which were confronting similar challenges, into a mutually supportive community. There are many organizations connected to the network. Many of these organizations are in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. These organizations include shelters for youth and women, counseling centers; resource centers for immigrants, cable access centers, and a number of computer user organizations. In a very real sense, Playing2Win has pursued its mission successfully. The Harlem Center is one strong example, but Playing2Win has reached out beyond its NYC neighborhood. It has assisted organizations and individuals across the country and across the seas, not only as a model, but also by taking a leadership role in establishing a world- wide movement focusing on issues of equity in technology access and education. Inspired by Playing2Win, technology learning centers have sprung up in other countries, too. Northern Ireland developed an initiative called Bytes for Belfast that has established four Playing2Win type centers in Belfast. A public access center has been established in Poland, and, in South Africa, centers are being established where its marginalized population can learn the technology skills that will empower them in their fight for equality.