CENTURYLINK TO AWARD $30,000 IN TECHNOLOGY GRANTS TO IDAHO TEACHERS

Idaho teachers can apply for up to $30,000 in grants from the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation to fund innovative technology projects. This is the 11th year the Idaho State Department of Education has partnered with CenturyLink to fund classroom technology projects across the state.

“Every year, Idaho’s teachers develop innovative ways to engage students and raise academic achievement through the use of technology. I am proud the Idaho State Department of Education has been able to partner with CenturyLink to provide these grants to Idaho teachers,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna.

Last year, 22 teachers applied for grants, with 11 winners selected by a review committee comprised of community members and a CenturyLink representative. The winning teachers’ schools each received a grant to be used by the teachers to purchase technology. For instance, the Middleton School District was awarded $5,000 to purchase 10 iPad minis, a MacBook Pro and a charging cart for a mobile learning lab.  This mobile learning lab will transform and redefine current writing instruction to address the needs and learning styles of 21st century learners.

“With technology now such a normal part of our everyday lives, teachers are constantly finding new and creative ways to use technology in their classrooms,” CenturyLink Idaho Vice President and General Manager Jim Schmit said. “This is a great opportunity for CenturyLink to help by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their innovation, and supporting them with financial assistance to expand their use of technology even further.”

The Idaho State Department of Education is now accepting applications. Teachers have until January 2, 2015 to apply for the grants.

All Pre-K-12 public and private school teachers who teach in a CenturyLink service area are eligible to apply.

CenturyLink service is neither required nor considered in the review of applications.

The Foundation will award more than $1.4 million in grants to support technology in the classroom through its 2014-2015 Teachers and Technology program, offered throughout the company’s service areas in the U.S. 

For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/tech_services/grants_contracts.htm.