Sweet Home High School teachers won two microgrants at the end of 2020 to support projects that reduce barriers to education in STEM and career and technical education.
The grants were provided by Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub for local educators and non-profits in Linn and Benton counties to invest in equitable education.
“With ample evidence that COVID-19 is widening the existing systemic education and inequality gaps, our aim is to partner with educators and local non-profits to develop projects that reduce barriers and support students,” wrote Director Sarah Whiteside in a press release.
One of the local grants went to CTE instructor Blake Manley for his video education project, “Manley Jobs.” The funds will help pay for expenses and supplies related to the production.
The other grant went to Sweet Home High School’s health occupations class. Instructor Michelle Snyder will use the funds to purchase suturing, phlebotomy, respiratory therapy equipment for health occupations classes.
Supt. Tom Yahraes said he’s proud of the grant-winning programs.
“These two outstanding programs help connect our students to regional and national career opportunities, where the curriculum and instruction match real career applications. Part of our mission as a district is to help inspire career interests in students and connect students to real job opportunities. We thank the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub for the Microgrant awards that will help these programs continue to thrive and grow and we thank our incredibly innovative instructors and students who persevere even during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub gave a total of $78,000 in grants across the region.
The grants are available to community-based organizations as well, and the Calapooia Watershed Council in Brownsville won a grant to purchase supplies for “watershed discovery kits.”
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub is accepting applications for its second round of microgrants, with a deadline of Feb. 26.