The federal government has awarded the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan a grant to enhance technology in the classroom.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the government is providing funding to improve broadband access in poor and underserved communities across the nation.
With this grant, EUPISD will have the opportunity to enhance not only broadband technology in its schools, but it will also provide middle and high school students with laptops to take home, Upper Michigans Source reports.
Introducing new technology such as a laptop, internet access or a classroom projector, enables students to develop skills associated with real, genuine tech use, educators say.
“The opportunity to have the devices is one thing, but the access to the connectivity and the training that comes with it will absolutely be huge for our region,” said EUPISD Superintendent Pete Everson.
Students in Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties will begin receiving the new computers next year. Out of the 7,500 students in the district, 3,500 will take home laptops, which they will return when they graduate.
