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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, representatives from the USDA presented Granville County Public Schools with a grant of $680,000 to assist the school district with instructional technology.
Specifically, the grant which is titled, “Leading the Path to a Collaborative Future Via Virtual Conferencing,” will fund efforts to provide students with cutting-edge technology in video conferencing, distance learning and work-based learning opportunities through partnerships with local business and industry.
The grant will be used to purchase hardware, software and provide professional development for staff which will open up new learning and career development opportunities for students in grades K-12.
Left to Right: Gwen Loftin, Director of Technology GCPS, Robert Hosford, State Director of Rural Development, USDA, Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent GCPS. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Superintendent Alisa McLean accepted the award on behalf of the school district along with the Director of Instructional Technology, Gwen Loftin, who led the grant application process.
“This grant will improve the quality education Granville County students receive on a daily basis,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Robert Hosford. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural North Carolina in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
In rural North Carolina, Granville County Schools will use a $679,000 grant to provide video endpoints within schools to create opportunities for video conferencing. This will allow for career exploration, teacher share of STEM courses, and professional development.
In receiving the award, Dr. McLean noted, “Granville County Public Schools continues to make huge strides in providing our students with high-quality learning opportunities. Our forward-thinking approach and eye on the future will place our students in the driver’s seat when it comes to their post-secondary education plans. I am proud to accept this grant award on behalf of the children and families for which it will serve.”
Also on hand to receive the award were Board Chairman David Richardson and Board member Dr. Greg McKnight. Mr. Richardson commented, “We are pleased to receive this grant as it will help promote and expand many of the exciting efforts to support our students already underway in our school district.”