Most educators will tell you that adequate technology is vital to a quality education. Unfortunately, some communities are often left with insufficient and out of date equipment. A new state-wide program, however, aims to give low-income Wisconsin schools a boost in harnessing technology to help educate kids. 

The Microsoft-Wisconsin Cy Press Program will donate between $75 and $80 million statewide to improve technology in low-income schools. The program is a product of a class-action lawsuit settlement between Wisconsin consumers and Microsoft Corp. 

A recent story in the Journal Times reported that over $2 million in state vouchers will likely be awarded to elementary and middle schools in Racine.

“We were expecting some money but not this amount,” (Unified Spokeswoman Stephanie) Hayden said. “We are pleasantly surprised to have an extra $2.1 million for technology.”

Unified officials are assembling a committee now to decide how to spend the money. The committee will include representatives from district departments including information technologies, information systems, special education and curriculum and instruction, Hayden said.

We at Wired Wisconsin recognize the importance of affording our young people the technological tools they need to succeed. One of our core issues is 21^st Century E-learning, utilizing the internet for educational and training purposes.  We hope these grants will help give Wisconsin kids a better shot at success.