We at Great Plains Communications know just what schools in rural areas are capable of when given the resources and we are committed to helping schools in our communities in reaching their potential.
That’s why we’re giving away $25,000 dollars to schools all around the State of Nebraska with the Great Plains Communications Commitment to the Schools Program. An individual school is eligible to receive up to $5,000 for programs that focus on educational enhancements, staff education or technological upgrades.
Here are some highlights from our 2010 grants program:
Wynot Public Schools used funds toward touch-screen technology by adding HP Touchsmart technology to its Art and Special Needs programs. “The Touchsmart technology will also be used as a sensory type of reinforcement for students with learning
difficulties. This grant is very beneficial as we are on a very limited budget which doesn’t allow for those “extras” that are so often needed to reach every student,” said Rich Higgins, Superintendent of Wynot Public School.
Perkins County High School used the funds to create eco-friendly learning environments. The school is funding a “New Greenhouse and Aquaponics Lab Venture” project. The project will enhance the Vocational Agriculture Curriculum through the construction of a new tubular steel greenhouse, the conversion of the existing small greenhouse into a small animal production facility and the creation of an aquaponics lab adjacent to the high school Ag classroom.
Deshler Lutheran will use the grant to enhance its Spanish language program. It is part of the award-winning elementary Spanish Program created by R. Scott Morris and Ed. D. Much. Research shows the benefits learning a second language has on academic achievement as well as attitude and beliefs on other cultures.
If you know a school that has a great idea to make their school better and is looking for the funding to make it happen, check out the grant application here. Grants requests are due in by March 1, 2011.