Local Schools Receive STEM Grant

Both South Dearborn and Jac-Cen-Del Schoool Corporations received the grant.

Update published Thursday, January 9th, 2020 9:46 a.m.:

Due to an increase of availability for funding, the IDEO opened up a second round of awards for the STEM Acceleration Grants. 

Both Milan Community School Corporation and South Ripley Community Schools were able to receive $40,000 to fund the STEM programs throughout their corporations. 

 

Original story published Monday, December 30th, 2019 9:21 a.m.:

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced that 33 schools districts in Indiana were granted funds for K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.

The STEM Acceleration Grants are given to support the current STEM education, as well as implement new and innovative curricula. 

Problem/project-based or inquiry-based pedagogy and incorporating teacher training and support are ways that these grants hope to improve current STEM programs.

“A STEM education is vital to preparing our students for an ever-changing technological global economy,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “I commend our awarded schools for their commitment to STEM and for their dedication to equipping students with the 21st century skills necessary to thrive and be successful."

Both the South Dearborn Community School Corporation (SDCSC) and Jac-Cen-Del Community School Corporation (JCD) received funding to improve the STEM programs throughout their school districts. 

SDCSC plans to use the $75,000 grant to expand the STEM programs throughout all schools in the district by adding Project Lead the Way (PLTW)  courses. These courses include Computer Science courses to the high school, App Creators and Science and Technology courses for middle school students, and expand the elementary schools' PLTW Launch programs.

"This grant will allow SDCSC to enhance our STEM curriculum creating a K-12 pathway of problem-based learning opportunities for students as we continually work to develop engaging and meaningful opportunities for students to grow into real-world problem solvers ready for post-secondary education or careers after high school," says SDCSC Director of Curriculum and Instruction Janet Platt. 

JCD explains how the $50,000 grant money will be put towards a three-fold purpose to maximize the impact it will have on students. This includes a plan to establish PLTW Biomedical Sciences, expand the PLTW Engineering program by adding Civil Engineering and Architecture, and providing elementary school teachers and students with high quality interdisciplinary STEM resources, units, and materials.

"JCD is very excited about receiving this grant. Our focus on STEM activities and the corporation wide STEM certification we are intending to obtain will be greatly benefited by these resources. Our students and staff are all excited to begin working with these materials and resources," explains Jac-Cen-Del Jr. - Sr. High School Principal, Frederick Unsicker. 

Funds for these awards were appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly in the 2020 Fiscal Year for the IDOE STEM Program Alignment. 

Although a portion of these funds are reserved to improve elementary and secondary STEM "achievement and participation," granted school districts will allow STEM growth to extend career exposure to grades K-12. 

You can find a full list of the schools that received grants here.

For more information on the efforts to expand STEM in Indiana, visit the IDOE website.

 

More from Local News


Events

Hebron Man Charged in Child Pornography Investigation

The suspect, James McReynolds, 33, of Hebron, was arrested.

Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities Receives National Recognition

Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities’ average outage time per year is 27 minutes.

Duke Energy Crews Restore Power to More Than 74,000 after Severe Storms in Indiana

Wind gusts of 65-80 miles per hour caused broken poles, trees in power lines and damage to electric infrastructure.

Local Sports Report - April 2, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

South Ripley Varsity Basketball Coach Seve Beach Honored by IBCA

He has a 47-25 record in three seasons with the Raiders.

Switzerland County's Cooper Todd Commits to Anderson University

He will now go on to join the defending HCAC champions.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Vince Gill - Don't Let Our Start Slipping Away

Montgomery Gentry Gone 20:20
Brooks & Dunn Brooks and Dunn - Boot Scootin Boogie - Eagle Only 20:17
Runaway June Make Me Wanna Smoke 20:11
Restless Heart I'll Still Be Loving You 20:07