ATHENS-The state of Alabama and Governor Robert Bentley announce a grant of $48,300 Appalachian Regional Commission grant to purchase new computer equipment for the Athens school system.
The grant will help the school system establish a computer science program at Athens High School.
School officials report that there is a great demand for computer science courses at the high school. The school system will purchase equipment and supplies including Cisco networking equipment, textbooks, lab manuals, a 3D printer, Dell computers and servers and assorted licenses and software. The new courses will be part of Project Lead the Way, which already started health sciences and pre-engineering courses at the school.
The school system is contributing $56,220 in matching funds.
“Computer-science-related jobs top most lists of high demand, well-paying careers,” Bentley said. “By establishing this program, Athens High School is giving students a head start in developing the skills and experience that will prepare students for successful careers and bright futures.”
Also in Limestone County Governor Bentley and the state of Alabama awarded a $100,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for new computer equipment in the Limestone County school system.
With a $100,000 grant, the Limestone County school system will purchase Apple MacBook Air computers for use by fifth graders.
“Students who are well-versed in current technology are better prepared for successful careers and bright futures,” Bentley said. “This grant will help Limestone County students gain valuable experience with technology that will serve them well today and in the future.”
The equipment purchase is part of the school system’s Digital Passport Initiative, a program to provide students and teachers in grades three through 12 with laptop computers. School system officials say the program’s aim is to help better prepare students for technology jobs in the Huntsville area.
The school system is contributing $923,499 toward the initiative.
