The Washington County Riverboat Foundation awarded the Washington Community School District a $150,000 grant for a Laptop Computer Initiative at Washington High School during the spring of 2008. The grant money was used to bring laptop computers where they are needed most – the classroom. 75 laptops computers were distributed to many classrooms at Washington High School. Researchers support bringing computers into the classroom. Sivin-Kichala and Bialo (2000) reviewed 311 research studies on technology and student achievement. Their findings revealed positive and consistent patterns when students were engaged in technology-rich environments, including significant gains in achievement in all subject areas.
![WHS Tech 1 WHS Tech 1](https://cdnsm5-ss18.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_172595/Image/District Information/Riverboat Foundation Grants/WHS High Tech Laptop Initiative/htli2.jpg)
In addition, computer technology was purchased to support implementation of the Project Lead the Way engineering career academy computer lab. Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized, high school pre-engineering curriculum designed to help students develop better problem solving skills by immersing them in real-world engineering challenges. The courses all use project-based, hands-on experiences to teach students the key elements and skills of engineering and technology-based careers. By completing a series of Project Lead the Way courses, students will be preparing themselves for the demanding rigor of two-year engineering technology and four-year engineering programs.
![WHS Tech 2 WHS Tech 2](https://cdnsm5-ss18.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_172595/Image/District Information/Riverboat Foundation Grants/WHS High Tech Laptop Initiative/htli1.jpg)
![Laptop Initiative Laptop Initiative](https://cdnsm5-ss18.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_172595/Image/District Information/Riverboat Foundation Grants/WHS High Tech Laptop Initiative/htli3.jpg)
For more information about projects made possible by the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, please take a look at our Riverboat Foundation Grants page.