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.
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.
For more information about projects made possible by the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, please take a look at our Riverboat Foundation Grants page.