Louisiana to provide 25,000 computers to local organizations, governments

Clarification: This report was updated with information Connect Louisiana provided after the governor’s news conference.

Eleven Louisiana organizations will receive a total of 25,000 new computers from the state to help people train and obtain the growing number of tech-oriented jobs in the state, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Tuesday morning. 

The governor announced the $18 million Étouffeé grant awards at the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria, joined by local officials and representatives from Apple. The state is acquiring tablet and laptop computers from the company using funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Project Fund. The Connect Louisiana state broadband access program is administering the program that will provide the chosen organizations with the computers and digital skills training. 

Landry said his administration’s economic development efforts have improved job prospects in the state, and people now need access to digital tools and training to get those jobs. He placed emphasis on providing the computers and training in rural areas and prioritized students, veterans, those with disabilities and adults seeking work.  

“We’re going to give them the devices necessary to be able to play in an economy that is working for Louisiana,” the governor said. 

More than half the computers will go to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, a network of 12 two-year schools focused on workforce training. The system will make the devices available to residents in 10 parishes that do not have an adult education site, according to Connect Louisiana. 

The other 10 recipients are:

• Bastion Veterans Wellness Center
• Franklin Parish
• Pointe Coupee Parish
• Savoie Medical Center 
• Southeastern Louisiana University 
• Southern University
• Southern University in New Orleans, 
• Town of Saint Joseph 
• Town of White Castle 
• West Ascension Parish Hospital

The organizations were selected because of the connection to their local communities which all have a “digital divide that needs to be closed,” Landry said. 

“We’re giving people out there who want an opportunity the tools that are necessary for them to reach that opportunity and to put that money in their pocket,” he added.