Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School receives $9,514 grant for classroom technology upgrades

            As the demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education increases, schools like Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School have begun integrating more technology into classrooms. Employees from the Monsanto Clarion soybean production site selected Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School to receive a $9,514 grant from the Monsanto Fund’s 2015 site grant initiative to help purchase new tech enhancements for their classes. Representatives from the organization and the fund celebrated the grant with a check presentation on July 1.

            Funds from the grant will be used to purchase a 3-D printer, Lego Mindstorm Ev3 robot kits and video software that will be utilized by students. This equipment will help students engage in lessons relating to STEM education and will complement the school’s recent focus on technology integration in the classroom.

            “We want to get more students interested in technology-related career fields by allowing them to see what is available in the industry now,” said Trish Rosauer-Hamski, chemistry and physics teacher at the school. “I’m excited to have more equipment for students to use in the STEM courses and compete with in the IT-Olympics in April.”

            Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School students and teachers have worked with Clarion site employees in the past to secure funds for similar technology and classroom updates. However, this is the first time the school has received a grant through the site grant program.

            “We are always willing to assist teachers in educating our youth through new technologies,” said Greg Chapman, Clarion site lead. “It’s important that teachers and students are exposed to the newest technologies in order to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing technology environment.”

            This year, the Monsanto Fund awarded more than $1.2 million to nonprofit organizations through the site grant initiative to help address essential needs in rural communities. Schools across the country have received over $11.6 million from the fund since 2010.