Katrina. The program is in its second year in the VWSD.

“The interns will empower teachers and train teachers to master the use of technology in their classrooms,” said Jo G. Prichard, development director of the Jackson-based nonprofit Digital Opportunity Trust, which will supply the interns. During the 2010-2011 school year, all 15 schools in the VWSD were assigned an intern, said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Duran Swinford, but due to costs associated with the program, the number of schools has been reduced to eight.

The schools have not been named, Swinford said.

Internships are for one academic year. A $1,008 monthly stipend and health insurance are provided. Upon completion of the internship, each will receive $5,550 for college tuition or college loans.

A total of 325 interns have been recruited from Mississippi colleges and universities. They will be trained for two weeks on the latest technology before being assigned to schools across the state.

Qualified interns must have completed two years of college, pass an online test and be able to work 40 hours a week. Approximately 200 interns will work in Mississippi, and 80 will be assigned to Louisiana.

Entergy Mississippi and Entergy Nuclear have together provided $15,000 to continue the program through Digital Opportunity Trust.

“Our partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust is an efficient way to provide online resources and technology,” said Ann Becker, communications manager of Entergy Nuclear.

AmeriCorps National is the highest sponsor, providing $3.64 million grant.

Other counties involved are Claiborne, Bolivar, Coahoma, Desoto, Lafayatte, Leflore, Holmes, Humphreys, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Washington and Yazoo.