Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac counties are going to be a lot more connected in the future, as 3,500 computers will be provided to families of students in the region.
U.S. Representative Bart Stupak announced that the
Eastern U.P. Intermediate School District will be the recipient of a $3.2 million grant award to provide more broadband and computer access to students in the district who are qualified as economically disadvantaged.
The funding comes from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, and comes with the goal of increasing Internet subscribership in the eastern Upper Peninsula for the poorest families in the area.
"This funding will help provide cash strapped students and schools in northern Michigan with the vital educational technologies and academic resources they need to excel," Stupak says. "Critical projects like these in Michigan and across the country serve as a strong investment in our schools and in the future of our students."
The project would give qualifying families computers, included software, and vouchers for discounted broadband access through local provider
Lighthouse. Equally importantly, it would include workforce and computer skills training programs for students and parents, in a bid to promote more advanced uses of computers throughout the community.
Another goal for the project is to demonstrate the educational value of computers in the home, and the value to a household of having broadband access to support health and finances, and give access to occupational training.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: U.S. Representative Bart Stupak
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