Local school districts snag $105,000 in STEM education grants

The PAsmart program, targeted to schools with limited or no computer science offerings, awarded grants totaling $105,000 to several local school districts, which were announced Thursday by State Rep. Joe Petrarca, D-Washington Township.

The following districts were among those awarded $35,000 each from PAsmart program:

• Apollo-Ridge School District for the Apollo-Ridge Elementary School, Apollo-Ridge Middle School and Apollo-Ridge High School.
• Kiski Area School District for the Kiski Area Upper Elementary School.
• Leechburg Area School District for Leechburg High School.

Funding can be used for staff training, certification exam reimbursements, eligible hardware and products purchases for computer science instruction.

“These state funds will go a long way to prepare our students for the future demands of an ever-changing workforce,” Petrarca said. “This investment ensures they will have the vital computer science and technology skills to succeed and provides the right support and training for our teachers to guide students’ education.”