Richmond School Awarded Grant to Equip Classrooms with New Technology

Each student and teacher at Richmond’s Stege Elementary School will get their own iPad and other Apple electronics and software thanks to a grant under President Barack Obama’s initiative to ensure all schools have access to the latest technology. The elementary school located at 4949 Cypress Ave. will receive the influx of new Apple gadgets courtesy of an $80,000 grant as part of Obama’s ConnectEd initiative, which aims to get high-speed Internet and up-to-date technology in 99 percent of U.S. schools.

The initiative announced in June 2013 involves the Federal Communications Commission investing $2 billion to increase Internet connectivity for schools and libraries and private sector companies providing $2 billion in technology for classrooms. The award will provide an iPad for every student, a Macbook and iPad mini for each teacher and administrator and an Apple TV for each of the school’s classrooms, according to West Contra Costa County Unified School District officials.

“This technology will make lessons come alive in the classroom and give our students the tools they need to learn the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century economy,” Stege Elementary Principal Kim Moses said in a statement. Apple will also furnish software and educational content based on each classroom’s needs and part of the grant funding will pay for teachers and school leaders’ professional development, district officials said.

District Superintendent Bruce Harter said the award comes as Stege Elementary implements major changes meant to boost academic performance for the 2014-15 school year, including an extended school year, full-day kindergarten and new school leadership.

The school is one of 114 schools in 29 states and one of 11 schools in California to receive the grant. To be considered for the award, schools had to demonstrate an economically disadvantaged student population. During the last school year, 98 percent of Stege Elementary’s 347 students were eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches, according to district officials. The grant also targets schools where students have limited access to technology. More information about the ConnectEd initiative can be found at www.apple.com/education/connectED.

By Bay City News

Photo via Shutterstock.