Mississippi News

Mississippi Broadband Association starts laptop program in Coahoma County 

Jan 8, 2025-The Mississippi Broadband Association (MSBA), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing digital connectivity across Mississippi, is proud to announce its first-ever laptop program in Coahoma County. In collaboration with Digitunity, Delta Access, Coahoma Community College (CCC), The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and AT&T. This pilot aims to measure the impact of large screen devices on the education growth of 100 eligible participants enrolled at CCC. 

The program is targeted at students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Workforce, or Adult Education programs at Coahoma Community College who meet the following criteria: 

  • Income at or below 200% of the poverty line and/or Recipients of federal assistance program Currently enrolled at Coahoma Community College. 

Local department heads will make the final selection of students to receive the laptops during this pilot program. The initiative represents a $25,000 investment in educational development and aims to empower individuals through enhanced access to technology and learning resources. Laptop technical assistance will be provided by digital literacy coaches managed and operated by the B.E.A.M office.  

Event Details: 

  • What: Laptop Investment Ceremony 
  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1-2 p.m.
  • Where: Coahoma Community College Safe Room (Big Dome Building at North End of Campus) 
  • Who is invited: Selected students, department heads, media and local leadership are invited to  attend the ceremony, which will celebrate this significant step in addressing digital equity and  supporting the local community college workforce development. 

“This program underscores our commitment to empowering communities through digital opportunity and  access to in-home large screen devices” said Quinn Jordan, Executive Director of MSBA. “By providing access to essential technology, we aim to open doors to education and opportunities for students who need it most.” 

The Mississippi Broadband Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization headquartered in Jackson. MSBA is dedicated to improving broadband access, fostering digital inclusion, and supporting economic and educational growth across the state.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.