ALEXANDRIA — Louisiana and Apple officials announced approximately $18 million in "ÉTOUFFÉE" awards for 11 organizations today at the Louisiana Digital Skills and Technology Summit.

Through a collaboration with Apple, the groups that provide adult education and workforce development will receive more than 25,000 Mac and iPad devices. The program is meant to make digital opportunities more accessible to Louisianians.

“If you’ve worked a full shift and the nearest class is a parish away, having a computer and someone to show you how to use it can mean taking that class right at your kitchen table,” Gov. Jeff Landry said.

Colleges and community organizations will pair the devices with hands-on digital skills training to help Louisianians take classes, prepare for jobs and access services online.

Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges will receive the largest award, about 13,000 devices.

The system plans to extend distance learning to residents of 10 parishes without an adult education site. Adult learners who lack a computer will have access to devices and direct instruction to help them attend class, complete coursework and apply for jobs online.

“We’ll measure success by what people are able to do next, whether that’s finish a course, find a job or make a medical appointment they would have had to drive an hour to keep,” ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar said.

Recipients include the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Pointe Coupée Parish, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southern University and A&M College, the Town of White Castle and West Ascension Parish Hospital.

ConnectLA said it is administering ÉTOUFFÉE with funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund and working with Apple, SHI and the Louisiana Office of Technology Services to deliver the program.