Brewster: Computer Science Dedicated Funding Awarded to Local Schools

Brewster: Computer Science Dedicated Funding Awarded to Local Schools

January 18, 2019

Harrisburg, Jan. 17, 2019 – Education grants dedicated to the implementation and improvement of computer science programs and career-readiness have been awarded to schools in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, said Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

“As computer technology continues to evolve, it is important that students can experience and learn new computer skills first hand,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that students in our area will benefit from Pennsylvania’s grants dedicated to improving computer science programs in local schools.”

Baldwin-Whitehall, Duquesne, East Allegheny and South Allegheny in Allegheny County, along with Burrell and Kiski school districts in Westmoreland, were approved for funding through the PAsmart initiative.   The grants are for $35,000 each. 

PAsmart grants are used to fund high-quality STEM and computer science courses for K-12 students, specifically those in low-income areas where access to up-to-date STEM technology may be limited.

Brewster noted that the state’s commitment to funding innovative technology and STEM education for Pennsylvania students has resulted in the state ranking second in the country for STEM education funding.

“PAsmart grants are an excellent investment in the future of our students,” Brewster said. “We must continue to provide for educational programs and opportunities that will prepare students to enter the ever-changing, fast paced workforce.”

A total of $8.7 million were distributed to 221 school districts for 765 individual schools. 

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Brewster Announces Local Education Literacy Grants

April 26, 2012

McKeesport, April 26, 2012 – State Senator Jim Brewster has announced Keystones to Opportunity (KtO) grants totaling over $ 587,000 for two area school districts.

Brewster said the state Department of Education has approved proposals submitted by McKeesport Area School District for $529,260; and the New Kensington-Arnold School District for $58,000.

“I am pleased that these KtO grant dollars have been awarded to area schools,” Brewster said. “In these tough budget times, every supplemental dollar for education is a big help.”

The KtO grants are part of Pennsylvania’s award of $38 million through the federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program grant. State Education officials have identified three keystones to opportunity: 1) improving literacy learning outcomes and dramatically increasing reading achievement among students in danger of academic failure; 2) creating a culture of data-driven decision making by supporting implementation on Bernhardt’s Multiple Measures Data logic model at the state, regional and local levels; and 3) infusing digital technology and Universal Design for Learning that provides teachers with examples of how technology tools can provide multiple pathways to express and represent information.

Brewster said the state is committed to aligning literacy instruction and state initiatives to help schools strengthen local literacy initiatives, provide structure, and to support and provide tools for schools to use reliable data to guide instructional decision making in language and literacy.

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