Fifteen Mississippi school districts, including Webster County, will share more than $896,000 in grants to establish or enhance programs in science, technology, engineering and math in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The Mississippi State Board of Education awarded funding for the K-8 STEM Initiative Enhancement Project Grant to support implementation of STEM activities in classrooms and coursework, while providing technology upgrades and educator training to implement STEM applications.
Priority was given to schools implementing engineering, computer science, robotics and other project-based STEM activities to expand the current Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards for math and/or science K-8.
Districts and schools selected to receive the grant through a competitive request for application process included the Webster County School District for East Webster Elementary and Eupora Elementary.
“These grants will help schools increase opportunities for students to explore STEM education in elementary and middle school so they will be better prepared for STEM courses in high school,” said Dr. Nathan Oakley, chief academic officer.
“STEM-related professions are growing, and there is an increasing demand for high school and college graduates with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,.” Oakley added.
The Mississippi Department of Education announced the grant awards Monday.
