Program to offer free tablets, internet for Rapides Parish students

Melissa Gregory, Alexandria Town Talk
·2 min read
Rapides Parish students who qualify can get free tablets and unlimited internet through a partnership entered into with the School Board.
Rapides Parish students who qualify can get free tablets and unlimited internet through a partnership entered into with the School Board.

Rapides Parish students who qualify can get free tablets and unlimited internet through a partnership entered into with the School Board.

“We understand that broadband and technology capabilities within households have been a major issue within Rapides Parish for a while,” said Superintendent Jeff Powell. “With the Affordable Connectivity Program through Public Wireless, we are able to help supply free tablets and high-speed internet services for our students and families of the Rapides Parish School System. Our goal is to give every child an equal opportunity to succeed in our education system and the ability to have reliable internet and technology is one way to achieve that goal."

The program is being brought to the parish through Public Wireless and Pastor Clarence Reed, director of C&R Mentors. Students will receive a 10.1-inch high definition tablet that includes free 4G LTE monthly internet service, according to a news release.

"Students can connect to the internet with a premium device, which will allow the students to maintain the ability to complete class assignments from anywhere," it reads.

Better Facilities:Motion for process, timeline for advisory council on Bolton High plan moves to full board

Poll results:Most who replied to school uniform poll are against continuing policy next year

“The Affordable Connectivity Program will cover over 20,000 students with a tablet free of charge and unlimited internet access through AT&T service, and I can’t wait to see the results of this program,” said Reed.

But to qualify, a student must register first. To fill out an application, visit https://publicwireless.jotform.com/Kris/rapides-parrish-schools.

More information about the program can be found at https://tinyurl.com/fd42ups6.

According to the release, most Rapides students can qualify because the district participates in the Community Eligibility Program, which allows it to serve free breakfast and lunches without the need for applications.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Rapides school students can get free tablets, internet through program