State lawmakers endowed the Vigo County School Corporation with a $1,391,540 grant to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Representatives Bob Heaton of Terre Haute and Bruce Borders of Jasonville.
Other nearby school districts received an additional $1.4 million, and schools statewide received a total of $61 million through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which will also aid 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.”
“It’s essential that Hoosier children who are learning from home have the resources they need to continue their education without interruption,” Borders added. “That’s why this funding is so important in helping ensure our students aren’t falling behind academically.”
Additional funding includes $1,072,691 for Eastern Greene Schools, White River Valley School District, MSD of Shakamak, Bloomfield School District and the Linton-Stockton School Corporation. The Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation received $162,500, and $200,000 went to the Southwest School Corporation, the Northeast School Corporation, Dugger-Union Community School Corporation and the Rural Community Academy.
Moreover, the Northeast School Corporation and 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 money will go to 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.
