Computer grants totaling $241,798 go to 15 school districts.

Fifteen schools districts have been named recipients of Computer Science Innovation grants totaling $241,798 from the Arkansas Department of Education.

The grants — which range from $5,201 to$24,949 — are a result of efforts by the districts to expand their computer science programs and/or implement innovative practices in computer science education.

“In addition to excellent educators, a computer science education program must have a strong infrastructure to be successful,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said about the awards. “I am pleased that the Arkansas Department of Education is able to offer these grants to these schools. They are setting the bar high for computer science education not only here in Arkansas but across the country.”

Districts can use the money to cover the expenses associated with purchasing curriculum, software licenses, and nonfundamental equipment, as well as provide professional development or student incentives.

The recipient districts or schools and their awards are:

Fort Smith School District, $24,800.

Genoa Central School District, $19,943.

Greenland School District, $24,949.65.

Harrisburg Elementary School in the Harrisburg School District, $19,871.40.

Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District: $6,845.50.

Kirby School District, $5,605.17.

Lake Hamilton School District, $23,368.25.

Lakeside School District in Hot Springs, $7,137.92.

Little Rock School District, $7,000.

Manila High School in Manila School District, $12,139.52.

Monticello High School in the Monticello School District, $20,000.

Ouachita River School District, $5,201.02.

Parkers Chapel School District,$19,937.

Springdale School District, $25,000.

Westside High School in the Westside Consolidated School District, $20,000.

The state Education Department’s Office of Computer Science announced the availability of the grants in September. Eligible schools had to submit proposals that would result in increased student participation in computer science courses, and increased teacher capacity and understanding of computer science principles, as well as increased community understanding and local industry support of computer science programs.