Harkins: $10,000 state grant to ensure students can access remote learning during pandemic
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins April 22, 2020 | 3:58 PM
ERIE, April 22 – A $10,000 state grant will ensure students have the resources they need to access online and remote lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today.
The Continuity of Education and Equity Grant to the Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School will fund laptops and other remote-learning equipment for students unable to afford it.
“Every student deserves the same chance to succeed, and our educators are committed to making that happen – even during the COVID-19 crisis,” Harkins said. “But the pandemic has forced changes to learning that require students to have additional resources – including equipment some students may lack.
“Securing this funding will keep the playing field level by ensuring no student is left behind because they are unable to afford a laptop, a tablet or other resources they need for remote learning."
CEEG grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used to provide instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework.
Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants.