IN West Mifflin Spring 2020 | Page 8

WHAT’S NEWS IN WEST MIFFLIN STEEL VALLEY, WEST MIFFLIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS RECEIVE FUNDING FOR CAFETERIA UPGRADES Grant money awarded today to two school districts in the 35th Legislative District will go toward the purchase new food service equipment, said state Rep. Austin Davis. Davis said the grants, awarded through the state Department of Education, went to Steel Valley and West Mifflin Area school districts. “We champion the ability to provide students with quality, healthy food throughout the school day. But that can’t be done without quality equipment,” Davis said. “The funding awarded today will allow the receiving districts to accomplish this goal.” Davis said Steel Valley School District’s Steel Valley High School was awarded $16,085 for the purchase of a convection steamer. West Mifflin Area School District received a total of $12,594. Davis said 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ West Mifflin’s Clara Barton Elementary School will use half the funding for a convection oven. West Mifflin Area High School also will use half the funding to purchase a convection oven. Davis said funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and have 50% or more of students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. More than $925,000 in competitive grants has been awarded to 72 elementary, middle and high schools across the state for the purchase of new food service equipment for cafeterias. WEST MIFFLIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RECEIVE PASMART GRANT TO SUPPORT SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION The Clairton City School District and the West Mifflin Area School District each icmags.com were awarded a $35,000 grant designed to advance science and technology education, state Rep. Austin Davis announced today. Davis, said that the PAsmart grants will provide computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and provide professional development for educators. “It’s vital that we provide the necessary tools and support for students and teachers to help schools succeed in a fast-paced and ever-growing economy,” Davis said. “These grants are invaluable in providing our students with the important skills and education they need to meet the needs of local businesses and spur economic development.” A total of $5.7 million in grants were awarded to help schools statewide introduce and expand computer science training. The funds also will be used to provide educators from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with the necessary computer science training.