Easton Schools Add 250 Student Devices

Easton Public Schools said on April 17 that it received 250 internet-enabled devices through a Massachusetts program built to widen digital access. (eastonmaschools.org) The district said the devices were awarded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, through its Connected and Online Program. (eastonmaschools.org) Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral said the grant arrives during a period of "challenging budgets and necessary fiscal restraint" and will support students, families, and staff. (eastonmaschools.org) Cabral also credited Director of Instructional Technology Lívia Ramos with securing the award. Ramos said grants for physical devices are hard to win and that the funding puts technology directly into students’ and families’ hands. (eastonmaschools.org) The state program is larger than Easton’s award. Massachusetts officials said on April 2 that the Connected and Online Program would distribute nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices across the state. (broadband.masstech.org) Massachusetts Broadband Institute says the initiative is funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund and channels $28.5 million into closing the state’s device gap. (broadband.masstech.org 1) (broadband.masstech.org 2) The program is designed for public device lending and on-site computer access, with schools eligible when they offer public access opportunities for students without devices at home. (broadband.masstech.org) In Easton, district officials said the 250 devices will be used to expand access to technology and support digital learning across the district for students and their families. (eastonmaschools.org) The award gives Easton a local share of a statewide device push that Massachusetts officials are using to steer more schoolwork, services, and training online. (eastonmaschools.org) (broadband.masstech.org)