STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2020) – Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp. recently received $162,500 to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute).
Heaton said schools statewide received a total of $61 million through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, which was created by the federal CARES Act. Funding will help increase device access, internet connectivity, and educator training and development.
"There are many technology-related challenges for our students and educators as many start the new academic year remotely," Heaton said. "This funding will help Hoosiers lacking a reliable internet connection or in need of devices for learning outside the classroom."
Additionally, Spencer-Owen Community Schools will benefit from a $3,375,000 grant awarded to the University of Indianapolis and regional education centers, which partnered with 24 traditional public school corporations and eight non-public schools.
The GEER funding supports traditional public schools, public charter schools, accredited non-public schools, higher education institutions and other education-related entities throughout the state.
Heaton said the funding goes toward purchasing devices like Chromebooks and iPads for students, new or upgraded laptops and tablets for teachers, and mobile WiFi devices with subscription plans for households needing internet service.
A grant application could be completed by a single school corporation or a combination of eligible education entities. The 257 applications received were evaluated by a team from the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana State Board of Education.
A full list of grant recipients is available here, and the governor's official announcement is here.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
