Belchertown High gets $100,000 for new STEM program

An anticipated $100,000 in state money is on its way to Belchertown High School to help create a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics program.

State Sen. Eric P. Lesser, D-Longmeadow, and Superintendent Karol Coffin are expected to announce the funding Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the high schoolโ€™s main office.

The money, which still needs to be released by the Baker administration, will be used to purchase robotics kits and other supplies.

โ€œBelchertown Public Schools has a reputation for excellence, and a new engineering and robotics program will continue this regional leadership, offering even more opportunities to Belchertownโ€™s high school students,โ€ Lesser said in a press release. โ€œJobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are among the fastest growing fields in Western Massachusetts, and this program will give students the tools and exposure they need to succeed.โ€

Belchertown could see the new equipment as early as spring 2017.