STATEHOUSE (Sept. 1, 2020) – Area schools recently received more than $121,000 in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
Prescott 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.
"These grants are important for many Hoosiers learning or teaching remotely, especially those without reliable internet access or equipment," Prescott said. "With this additional funding, our schools can invest in their unique technology-related needs as everyone continues to work hard this school year."
Randolph Eastern School Corp. received a $121,500 grant. Additionally, Randolph Central School Corp., Jay County School Corp., and Jay County Christian School 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 8 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.
Prescott 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. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which
includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
