Nevada inks contract to get laptops to middle schoolers

Nevada’s hammered out a contract with an Oregon computer manufacturer to get laptops in the hands of thousands of middle schoolers.

The state announced a deal this week with Beaverton-based CTL to help implement the new Nevada Ready 21 program authorized by the Legislature.

Schools can apply for competitive grants that will be awarded in March. Teachers and principals will get training this spring on how to use the computers as teaching tools, and students will receive a CTL Chromebook with a Google operating system next school year.

The program is aimed at teaching students the skills they’ll need to succeed in college and in the jobs of the future. It also involves improving broadband Internet access at schools in the state.