Atlanta middle schoolers to get laptop computers

Every Atlanta middle school student will receive a laptop computer through a program aimed at providing access to digital resources and learning materials for all students.

Atlanta Public Schools launched the program Friday at Brown Middle School. When complete, district officials said each of its 6,000 sixth and seventh grade students will have a laptop computer. The computers have wireless internet access through T-Mobile, which supported the project with a $1.45 million award.

The district also will spend $4.5 million in sales-tax dollars this school year and next to pay for the project.

“Our APS Digital Bridge Program is equipping our middle school students with the tools they need to succeed both in school and at home where the learning continues by providing them with high-quality laptops and a high-speed internet connection,” said superintendent Meria Carstarphen.

The initiative is the latest work by APS to provide computer and internet access to students, including low-income students who cannot afford the technology.

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