A $9.5 million dollar federal grant project in west Kentucky aims to better prepare students to enter the workforce in computer science and other STEM-related fields.
Todd Warren is the Director for Innovations in Education at the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative. He said in a press conference in Murray the project called ‘West Kentucky GEAR UP’ supports 20 schools across nine counties.
Warren says the seven-year project places an emphasis on minority, low-income, English learner and special needs students. The project is expected to begin in January. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education.
Congressman James Comer says a federal grant supporting STEM education in west Kentucky schools will “make the difference” for bringing in and filling high-wage jobs. Comer joined education officials in Murray.
Comer says partnerships with educational cooperatives are “imperative” - as well as the relationship with Murray State University. The project is set to begin in January.