LIVINGSTON – Gov. Bob Riley introduced his plan for bringing technology into Alabama’s classrooms in his State of the State Address earlier this year.

“I’m announcing a new initiative that will revolutionize the way we teach our children in Alabama forever. [Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide] is a distance learning program that uses technology to connect teachers and students across the state, and potentially anywhere in the world,” Riley stated.

With the help of Riley, the Black Belt Action Commission, the NASA Develop Office and the federal government’s Computers for Learning program, students at Livingston Junior High are now reaping the benefits of Riley’s initiative.

Four computers were delivered to Livingston Junior High on Monday. Milton Whitfield, principal of Livingston Junior High, said that with the addition of special remedial software, the newly donated computers will aid students with special needs.

“We have students who need additional help,” he said. “We want to target those students.”

Computers for Learning was founded by former President Bill Clinton in an effort to supply computers to needy schools. The federal government donates its older model computers after technology upgrades are made in government computer systems.

Ryan Cole, project manager for the Education Committee of the BBAC and special project coordinator for Riley’s office, contacted superintendents in each of the 15 Black Belt school systems to offer computer donations. Dr. Fred Primm, superintendent of the Sumter County school system, accepted the aid and specified Livingston Jr. High as the designated recipient.

Cole said the intent of the Education Committee is to expand the use of Computers for Learning to all school systems throughout the 12 Black Belt counties.