(UNDATED) – The Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis received $4.8 million in two grants from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
One grant worth $3.3 million will fund devices and broadband in nine service centers and 23 school districts in rural areas across the State of Indiana. T
The second grant allots $1.5 million for professional development to improve educators’ capacity to provide engaging and effective online instruction.
CELL will partner with the Central Indiana Education Service Center during the next two years to disburse the funds and arrange for training. In addition to providing broadband for rural areas that frequently lack high-speed internet access, the $3.3 million grant will be used to connect families to wi-fi hotspots as well as to buy equipment such as laptops for students and teachers.
The $4.8 million awarded to CELL is one of the larger amounts distributed by the State of Indiana from the $61.6 million in GEER funding that the State received from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funds allow the Governor’s Office to provide support to local educational agencies and institutions of higher education with an application focus on developing and improving the availability of remote learning techniques and technologies.
“These grants will allow us to meet the unique needs of rural school districts and ensure that students and teachers have access to the technology they require to succeed. We are grateful to the Governor’s Office for this valuable opportunity to address the immediate concerns of the pandemic and to prepare educators in these school districts for the technological demands of the future,” said Janet Boyle, CELL executive director.
The Indiana Department of Education, the Commission for Higher Education, the Indiana State Board of Education, and the Governor’s Office established the needs-based, competitive grant program to support the unique challenges associated with remote learning including device access, internet connectivity and educator training/development.
The following school districts and education centers will receive funding:
- Crothersville Community Schools
- Delaware Community Schools
- Franklin County Community Schools
- Frontier School Corporation
- Jay County School Corporation
- Lake Station Community Schools
- Logansport Community School Corporation
- Middlebury Community Schools
- Monroe Gregg School District
- MSD of Wabash County
- Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (Fortville)
- North Central Parke School Corporation
- North Lawrence Community Schools
- Northeast School Corporation (Sullivan County)
- Perry Central Community Schools
- Randolph Central School Corporation
- Rising Sun School Corporation
- South Newton School Corporation
- Southern Hancock School Corporation
- Spencer-Owen School Corporation
- Union County School College Corner Joint School District
- Vincennes City School Corporation
- Wabash City Schools
About CELL
Created in 2001, the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis has served as the leading convener, catalyst and collaborator for innovative education change. CELL’s mission is for all people in Indiana to experience meaningful and high-quality education. CELL partners with schools and communities to improve outcomes for students of all ages by leading sustainable educational innovation and transformation across Indiana. Providing leadership that is both cutting-edge and action-oriented, CELL unites districts, schools, communities, universities and businesses to build a sense of urgency and form innovative collaborations for statewide educational and economic improvement. Learn more: cell.uindy.edu.
About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The University is ranked among the top National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100+ undergraduate degrees, more than 40 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs. More occupational therapists, physical therapists and clinical psychologists graduate from the University each year than any other state institution. With strong programs in engineering, business, and education, the University of Indianapolis impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” Learn more: uindy.edu.
