The Innovative Technology Education Fund (ITEF) awarded $164,552 in Catapult grants to seven area schools ranging in amounts from $5,000 to $30,000. These competitive grants allow schools in our region to obtain basic technology and elevate the educational playing field for k-12 students. The 2024 Catapult Grant recipients are:
Brittany Woods Middle School, School District of University City, $29,483.85
- 55 student Chromebooks and covers for multilingual learners to be used at school and home, 12 educator laptops with translation features to replace non-portable devices that no longer hold charge, ELLevation software to track multilingual learner data and allow educators to assess what learners can achieve during different stages of language development, Chromebook charging carts and two library Chromeboxes
BelNor Elementary, Normandy Schools Collaborative, $30,000.00
- 60 student Chromebooks to meet 1:1 student/device ratio and to replace devices damaged and outdated for current STEM software applications including robotics, coding, dimensional design/printing, drones and AI, 60 student headphones, two educator desktops and two charging carts
Lebanon Elementary, Lebanon Community School District #9, $29,995.73
- New server to replace failing 2008 system that disrupts internet activities crucial for classroom learning, GoGuardian monitoring to provide a safer online learning environment and protect data, new key entry system, cybersecurity training, 10 new laptops for educators who were unable to access technology throughout the day, five iPads and two cameras for journalism classes and STEM innovation
Sunrise Middle School, Sunrise R-9 School District, $23,572
- 110 Chromebooks and cases for middle school students to meet 1:1 student/device ratio and to replace broken devices, or devices that no longer hold a charge or connect to Wi-Fi, (many students are without access to technology devices at home) and four charging stations
Hillsboro High School, Hillsboro R-3 School District, $30,000
- 32 new classroom mini-towers, compatible with Windows 11 operating systems to replace declining devices with operating systems that will be obsolete after October 2025
Parker Road Elementary, Ferguson-Florissant School District, $5,000
- 20 tablets and cases for the pre-k through 2nd grade before-school STEM club to explore robotics and coding and to increase student confidence, risk-taking, problem-solving skills, cooperation and collaboration
Al-Salam Day School, $16,500.00
- New student Chromebooks for school and home learning, interactive display boards and tablets to replace antiquated devices ineligible for vendor support and to provide access to online curriculum not supported by current devices (partial funding provided)