By LIZ FABIAN — lfabian@macon.com
Connect2Compete program The pilot program for qualifying families in 21 Bibb County schools expires Saturday, but if there is enough interest it might be extended.Only families with at least one child in the free lunch program qualify.Students must attend one of the following schools: Barden, Bernd, Brookdale, Bruce, Burdell-Hunt, Burghard, Hartley, Ingram-Pye, Jones, King-Danforth, Morgan, Rice, Riley, Union or Williams elementaries; Appling, Ballard-Hudson, Bloomfield or Weaver middle schools; or Northeast or Southwest high schools.

Cox Communications, Microsoft and other technology companies are working with nonprofit organizations such as the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to offer Internet for $9.95 per month, before tax.Families might also qualify for a refurbished desktop or laptop computer for $150.Microsoft software is pre-installed and shipped for free.Bradley’s mother opted to pay extra for wireless capability in their home, which is not part of the Connect2Compete package

Bibb schools Superintendent Romain Dallemand said the initiative is a tremendous opportunity for students to learn, do research, search for scholarships and engage in the world from the comforts of home.“The reality is this is how today’s students learn, which is why we included technology as a main focus area in our Strategic Plan for improving student achievement,” Dallemand said in a news release.

Families may apply Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Welcome Center next to Hutchings Career Center at 2003 Riverside Drive.Registration will also be held at the Buck Melton Center at 150 Sessions Drive between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.