Google announced today that Colorado and Iowa are now offering Google Apps to public schools. Oregon did the same back in April, and now 3,000 more schools across Colorado and Iowa will have Google Apps available to them.

"These state-wide agreements enable schools and districts to benefit from centralized resources such as deployment support and training materials, paving the way for an easy transition to Google Apps—including Gmail, Docs, Sites, Calendar, Video, and Groups—in their classrooms, immediately," says Google Apps Education Manager Jaime Casap.

Colarado Governor Bill Ritter had this to say: "I’m pleased to see the Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) continue its tradition of bringing innovative tools to members of the Colorado public. By leveraging the Internet, educators are able to bring new ways of learning to the classroom and connect with students in exciting and challenging ways."

Google has also announced the extension of its free Google Message Security service to K-12 institutions, as well as a new training solution.

This includes a free online training center, a set of qualification exams for teachers, and a Certified Trainer and Partner program.