Students at Diegueno Middle School will get to use the latest in portable computers thanks to a technology grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the tribe announced Tuesday.
The Encinitas school will use the $5,000 award to purchase 20 Chromebooks–personal computers that feature Google’s Chrome OS operating system. The devices are made by a number of companies, such as Samsung, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and Dell, and start at about $199.
The new technology is a boon to Diegueno’s more than 900 7th and 8th grade students who have proven to be high achievers. The school has twice been named a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School in recognition of academic achievement.
Through its Barona Education Grant Program, the tribe has awarded $2.1 million since 2006 to 423 schools statewide to help fund education.
“We are proud to be able to continue providing deserving schools with the educational materials they need through the Barona Education Grant program,” said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.
State Senator Mark Wyland, who sponsored the school in the grant process, presented the grant check to Principal Bryan Marcus during a ceremony at the school this week.