Trending
Four Catholic Schools in the Northern Panhandle have been awarded federal grants to improve broadband and computer technology for their students.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, recently announced that grants of $6,926 each will be coming to Central Catholic High School, St. Michael Parish School and Our Lady of Peace School, all in Wheeling, and to St. Paul School in Weirton.
This funding is made possible through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and will help the schools purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connections for students, faculty and staff, according to information provided by Manchin's office.
Central Principal Rebecca Sancomb is still learning about the details of receiving the money, but admits the school will find ways to spend it on technology.
"We always have needs in that area. Any amount is helpful," she said. "I haven't had any time to assess right now how we might use it.
"But we have needs for broadband and technology, and are grateful to receive that amount. "We're grateful for funding, and we'll be putting it to good use."
At St. Michael, Director of Advancement Bailey Frederick indicated the school most likely would use the money to purchase new Chromebooks.
"Our students use Chromebook technology in the classroom, as well as at home. Each year a number of them have to be replaced," she explained. "We will use that money to enhance the experience."
The Emergency Connectivity Fund was authorized in the American Rescue Plan, which passed the Senate in March 2021, to provide $7.17 billion to expand distance learning and connectivity around the country. It included key provisions authored by Senator Manchin that prioritized rural areas and made these funds fully reimbursable to ensure rural states like West Virginia do not bear the burden of higher costs during recovery from the pandemic.
"The Emergency Connectivity Fund continues to provide critical resources for West Virginia students, schools and libraries to secure reliable broadband connections," Manchin said. "I successfully fought to include this funding for West Virginia in the American Rescue Plan, which will help ensure our communities have the essential tools they need to be competitive in today's digital economy."