Berkeley County Schools Receive Major Grants From Google

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Four schools in Berkeley County School District received significant grant funding from Google totaling $172,458. The grants were awarded to enhance computer and technology opportunities for students.

Devon Forest Elementary received $50,000, and will use the money specifically to support “Getting on the Tech Track II,” a 1:1 digital learning initiative that will allow 135 second graders the opportunity to participate in collaborative, innovative learning.

Shelley Matthews, a 3^rd grade teacher at Devon Forest Elementary, said, “My students and I have participated in a Google Hangout with the South Carolina Aquarium and had a Mystery Google Hangout with another 3^rd grade class in Texas. We’ve watched a live reading of ‘Going Places’ by Peter and Paul Reynolds on Read Across America day. Every day brings something new, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!”

Sedgefield Middle received $22,800 and College Park Elementary received $24,694. The grant will be used to support computer science and coding programs at the school.

“Having ample access and opportunities for students is essential to their success. To be able to achieve our school’s mission of preparing our students to be highly competitive in the real world, they need to possess exemplary skills in their knowledge and application of technology,” said Sedgefield Middle School Principal Shameka Washington.

College Park Elementary received $25,000 from Google and plan to use the funding to support blended learning approaches to instruction using mobile computing devices in a 1:1 model.

Principal of College Park Elementary, Amanda Prince, said, “We are extremely excited about receiving this grant. We plan to purchase Chromebooks for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders for our 1:1 technology initiative.”

Hanahan High School received $24,964 in grant funding. The school will use the money to support English language learners at the school to further English language proficiency through technology and tutoring. Hanahan plans to provide guided practice using a multi-sensory vocabulary program that will be available twice weekly after school for students and their families.

Principal of Hanahan High, Ric Raycroft, said, “Our goal at Hanahan High is to do whatever it takes to help our students succeed. We analyzed the data available and knew we had to find some additional resources for our students who are English language learners. We are so happy we have been able to do that with this very generous grant. Our Academy Coach, Dr. Laurie Kick, was very instrumental in us being awarded the funds. She worked with teachers, did the research and completed the grant application process.”