Parkview and Perry Elementary schools in Algonquin-based School District 300 are receiving $24,561 each as part of a $1.1 million grant outlay to increase student access to hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) programming for girls and low-income students. District 300 is one of eight under-resourced school districts to receive grants, which are funded by a special scratch-off lottery ticket.
“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 State Senator Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles), who represents a large portion of the D300 communities. “I know the District will make good use of these funds.”
The District 300 schools plan to utilize the funds in a variety of ways, including exploratory classes in architecture, engineering, and healthy cooking, to a percussion group for girls called “Girls on the Drum.”
“By increasing the number of students who eventually enter the pipeline for high-paying STEAM careers, we are helping set these students up for bright futures,” added Sen. DeWitte. “They’ll be our next generation of leaders and innovators.”