Vigo County School Corporation Wins $1.39 Million State Grant – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) dollars to be spent on county connectivity
TERRE HAUTE, IN—The Vigo County School Corporation has won a grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER), and will use the $1,391,540 in grant money to improve internet connectivity across the district and community.
The funds will be used to support the purchase of WiFi hotspots across the county. The hotspots will be placed in locations where 45% of households have an income of less than $30,000 per year or the area has low residential speed capabilities.
“This improved internet connectivity comes at a critical time for Vigo County and will pair well with our recently purchased Chromebooks for Vigo County students,” said Dr. Rob Haworth, superintendent. “Having a device in the hands of all of our students is a critical step to improving not just our remote learning capabilities, but will support learning while school is in session. It’s crucial that these devices are paired with internet access, and we’re thankful for this grant from the state.”
The district recently purchased Chromebooks for staff, as well as students in grades 3-12 in an accelerated technology rollout due to COVID-19. Devices for grades K-2 are planned for the next stage of the technology rollout.
“Beyond our students, improved internet connectivity for our county will improve everyone’s quality of life,” said Haworth.
Numerous community partners assisted the Vigo County School Corporation with the grant, including Joink, RJL Solutions, the county’s four institutions of higher education (Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and Ivy Tech Community College), the City of Terre Haute, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, Vigo County Commissioners, The Bridge Church, Christway Church, First Prairie Creek Baptist Church, Free Life Community Church, Maryland Community Church, New Life Church in Seelyville, and New Life Community Church.
The Vigo County School Corporation will now work to adjust their submitted internet connectivity plan to the funds won from the GEER grant, and an installation schedule will be developed.
