For Immediate Release
September 13, 2005
Contact: Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Rhoades: Schuylkill County IU 29 to Receive $500,000 Grant

Allows school districts to improve technology infrastructure

Mar-Lin – The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 has been awarded a $500,000 grant to improve technology infrastructure for Schuylkill County school, state Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) said today. 

The funds will support the Regional Education Network project which is designed to help improve the delivery of educational services to Schuylkill County schools, said Rhoades, chairman of the Senate Education Committee. 

Rhoades was able to secure the grant through the Department of Education's School Demonstration Program which is designed to help school districts promote and accelerate technology development. 

"This grant will provide our local schools the opportunity to increase access to educational and operational resources throughout Schuylkill County," said Rhoades. "In addition, this new infrastructure will help lower costs and improve communication among the schools." 

Accepting the grant on behalf of the Schuylkill IU#29 was Executive Director Dr. Gerald Achenbach, who stressed that this grant will lay the foundation for future professional development and e-learning opportunities for teachers and students. According to Achenbach, the network will improve access and use of on-line and videoconferencing professional development  resources. 

Rhoades went on to say that the network will help improve access to college courses for dual enrollment and other technical or enrichment courses not traditionally available in the school curriculum. 

"Dual enrollment exposes students to the challenging rigors of higher education, while still in the supportive environment of high school," said Rhoades. "And it allows them to begin earning college credits earlier, when they are less expensive. The aim is to prepare students academically for college while easing the financial burden on families." 

"All of these resources will better prepare Schuylkill County students to compete in an increasingly technology driven world economy," said Rhoades. "I was more than pleased to help secure funding for this exciting and important project."