Natomas Schools Foundation is continuing its longtime tradition of awarding Chromebook, laptop or desktop computers to local youth.

Applications for the foundation’s “NextGen Natomas” computer awards were due Feb. 11. Winners have not yet been announced.

The foundation’s goal is to help close the digital divide and assist honorees in achieving their academic and career objectives.

All Natomas youth are eligible, including foster and homeless students. They must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average. They also must live within NUSD boundaries and attend – or plan to attend – a high school within the district.

Applicants are judged on academic performance and potential, leadership potential, service to others, and a need for a computer to improve or maintain their academic performance.

Dozens of computers have been given away by NSF in recent years. Many were used laptops and desktop models obtained at no cost from a coalition of the California Department of Technology, California Prison Industry Authority and Merit ePartners. NSF then refurbishes the computers and awards them as scholarship prizes.

As computers become available, NSF will distribute applications and set deadlines for returning them. Questions? Call Jenn Arechiga at 567-5430 or email her at [email protected].