A nonprofit associated with Google recently awarded $100,000 to Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs to invest in new equipment for its computer information technology department lab, the Omaha World-Herald reports.
According to the news provider, the grant was awarded through the Google Data Centers Fund of Tide Foundation, which aims to empower communities, organizations and individuals through information technology.
Through the organization, Google said it hopes to encourage young people to pursue IT careers.
Educators have found that improving technology in the classroom and computer labs can enhance the education of young people. For example, hands-on experience with a computer, tablet or classroom projector can provide students with resources and skills they will use later in life.
"Because of the support from Google, our computer information technology students will be able to achieve a quality post-secondary education at Iowa Western in preparation for employment in high-demand information technology fields," said William Barrett, Iowa Western program chairman for computer information technology.
In December, the foundation also reportedly awarded a $26,000 grant to the AIM Institute to develop an IT studies program for two Council Bluffs high schools.
