Vanderburgh County school systems recently received more than $1 million in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to local legislators.
State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) 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.
“Our students and teachers are facing new challenges, both in the classroom and while learning remotely,” Sullivan said. “This grant funding will help our schools mitigate some of these challenges, whether it’s for improving internet connectivity or to purchase much-needed devices.”
Area grant recipients and totals include:
- Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., $900,000;
- Joshua Academy, $83,216; and
- Signature School, $20,000.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said the School of Education at the University of Evansville was also awarded $735,247 to implement free tutoring programs and professional development workshops for seven Southern Indiana school corporations, including the Diocese of Evansville and Warrick County Schools.
“Schools and educators are working diligently to adapt to new challenges brought on by the pandemic and ensure learning continues whether students are in the classroom or at home,” McNamara said. “These funds can help our schools update their technology infrastructure, which is critical to academic success as many schools offer remote learning.”
According to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), 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. He 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.
“Teachers work hard to accommodate students’ different learning styles and needs, and access to the internet and technology are a part of that,” Hostettler said. “These funds will help equip our students and teachers with more tools to engage in their schoolwork.”
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.
