6 districts get technology grants
Seven Berks County school districts were among 163 districts, charter schools and intermediate units across Pennsylvania to cash in on the latest round of PAsmart grants.
The grants are part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s PAsmart initiative and aimed at better preparing students with computer and technology skills needed for in-demand jobs. A total of $5.7 million in grants was announced Friday, with each grant recipient getting $35,000.
The school districts in Berks receiving the grants are Brandywine Heights, Muhlenberg, Oley Valley, Schuylkill Valley, Tuplehocken, Twin Valley and Wyomissing.
The PA smart initiative will provide a total of $20 million in grant funding to bring high-quality computer and STEM education in elementary, middle and high schools, and professional development for teachers, according to the governor’s office.
“PAsmart is strategically investing in science and technology education so students develop the skills they need for highdemand jobs,” Wolf said in a statement. “To be successful, we must also invest in our educators by providing them the training to teach these critical subjects. Through PAsmart, we are developing the most prepared and talented workforce in the country, which will help students excel, grow the middle class and strengthen the economy for everyone.”
The grant announcement was made Friday by state Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera during an event in Allegheny County. He spoke about the connection between science and technology education and economic growth.
“Job growth in the STEM and computer science field is driving the Pennsylvania and national economies, and Governor Wolf recognizes that expanding access to these programs is absolutely critical to preparing students for an ever-changing workforce,” he said. “PAsmart grants help train educators so they are providing high-quality STEM and computer science instruction and experiences in their classrooms to students of all ages, including those who have been historically underserved and underrepresented in these opportunities and fields.”
The grants announced are intended to help schools introduce and expand computer science education and to give teachers training to teach computer science.
The awardees were prioritized to expand access to computer science education for underrepresented students, such as students of color, girls, low-income students and students in rural communities.