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Two Carpentersville elementary schools each will receive $24,561 as part of $1.1 million in grants aimed at increasing student access to hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math programming for girls and low-income students.
Algonquin-based Community School District 300 is one of eight school districts to receive grants, which are funded by a special scratch-off lottery ticket, according to a news release from state Sen. Don DeWitte’s office. The money will go to Parkview and Perry elementary schools.
“STEAM programs are a vital element of the kind of education students need to be successful in our ever-changing digital economy, and I was proud to support the legislation when it came before the Illinois Senate in 2019,” said DeWitte, R-St. Charles, who represents a large portion of District 300. “I know the district will make good use of these funds.”
The District 300 schools plan to use the money in a variety of ways, including exploratory classes in architecture, engineering and healthy cooking, as well as a percussion group for girls called “Girls on the Drum,” according to the release.