Grant allows computers to be distributed to families in Austin

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(ABC 6 News) -The city of Austin received 50 free computers to give away Thursday.

It was part of a Blandin Broadband community grant from the state and part of that grant included 50 free desktop computers from pcs for people to be distributed in the community.

Community leaders have been meeting with people in Austin for several weeks to learn more about their ability to connect to the internet and if they have access to a device in their homes.

50 of those people received a free computer at Riverland Community College on Thursday.

“Whether it is for school or medical appointments. whether it’s job interviews, it’s just a whole plethora of things are now done through the internet and are done digitally and so individuals having that access and being able to get connected is important,” Austin Aspires Executive Director Jayne Gibson.

Along with this initiative, Austin aspires is working on ways to provide affordable high-speed internet and provide digital training in areas of need.