Brownsville launches back-to-school digital workshop, laptop giveaway

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Brownsville is launching an initiative to prepare students for the upcoming school year.

The initiative will offer hands-on digital training along with a laptop giveaway for students to participate in.

"We believe every student deserves the tools to thrive in a digital world," said Jorge Cardenas, CIO at the City of Brownsville. "This laptop giveaway is helping to close the technology gap and empower students to reach their full academic potential."

The Brownsville IT Department will also host a summer workshop to train students on email use and safety, phone safety, and bank security.

"This initiative and this grant-funded giveaway are one way we can help level the playing field for students who may not otherwise have access to these essential resources," said Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr.

To qualify for a free grant-funded laptop, students and their families must meet the following
requirements:

• Must reside within the City of Brownsville
• Be enrolled in a Brownsville public school
• Must show proof of financial need
• Only one laptop per family
• Participants must attend the scheduled workshop to receive a laptop

Residents can apply for the laptop giveaway online. Students may apply for the program through Tuesday, July 15.

The digital workshop is scheduled for 5 p.m., Friday, August 1.