Administrators at New Bedford High School are getting ready to kick off a pilot math program funded with a grant from New Bedford native Dr. Irwin Jacobs, the founder of Qualcomm.

Headmaster Bernadette Coelho says the program will target ninth grade students, and provide them with a mobile device to assist them with algebra.

"We believe that students that are given the opportunity to integrate technology into their learning will perform better academically, and this project will give 225 of our ninth-graders that chance," she said.

According to a press release, the devices will provide students with internet access 24/7 that they can use at home or at school.

The selection of students is being handled by researchers at the Mobile Technology Learning Center at the University of San Diego.

Dr. Jacobs is a New Bedford High graduate who awards scholarshps each year to top students at the High School, Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, and the Global Learning Charter Public School.

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