More than $51,000 in funding to equip students for remote learning during pandemic
Rep. Robert Matzie April 23, 2020 | 11:51 AM
AMBRIDGE, April 23 – State grants totaling $51,200 will help put computers and other remote-learning tools into the hands of students who are unable to afford them, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.
Matzie said the Continuity of Education and Equity grants – including $46,200 to the Aliquippa School District and $5,000 for the Rochester Area School District – are vital to ensure remote learning continues for students in these districts.
“Online lessons are an excellent way to keep our students learning during the pandemic, but they’re only effective if kids have the equipment they need to access them,” Matzie said. “The whole point of public education is to put kids on an even playing field and give them a chance to succeed, regardless of their household income.
“Securing this funding is going to help make that happen by ensuring that access to education isn’t a matter of whose family can afford a laptop or tablet.”
The CEEG grants are administered by the Department of Education and designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used to provide instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework.
Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants.