Northampton and Belchertown schools are among 27 districts in the state that will receive technology infrastructure grants totaling $3.8 million to promote digital learning and technology upgrades.
The Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant is a matching state grant program that helps public schools get Wi-Fi and increased broadband access.
Seventy-nine schools in Massachusetts received the technology grants, including three Belchertown schools receiving a total of $45,648, and six schools in Northampton receiving $158,178.
Chestnut Hill Community School in Belchertown received $3,385, while Jabish Brook Middle School received $17,661 and Swift River Elementary School received $24,601.
Grants awarded in Northampton include $25,324 for Bridge Street Elementary School, $17,938 for Jackson Street Elementary School, $58,112 for John F. Kennedy Middle School, $12,382 for Leeds Elementary School, $11,113 for Northampton High School and $33,307 for R. K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School.
The Gill-Montague school district also received a total of $137,095, and Leverett Elementary School received $10,756. The recipients were selected through a competitive application process. The 2018-2019 grants will be combined with about $2 million in local funds to benefit at least 39,000 students.
“Improving technology infrastructure in schools across the Commonwealth will help ensure students continue to receive the educational experiences they need to be successful,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “These grants will help make classrooms more engaging for thousands of Massachusetts students.”
This grant program also provides state dollars to increase the discounts communities receive from E-rate, a federal program that provides technology discounts to schools and libraries.
“Digital learning is increasingly a part of students’ overall academic experience, both in secondary and postsecondary education, so these grants are a crucial opportunity for school districts to bring their technology up to the latest standards to ensure all students in the Commonwealth gain the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in our 21st century economy,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.