The Pitman Education Foundation in Pitman, New Jersey, recently awarded local teachers with a series of "mini-grants" to fund various technology and other education projects, the Gloucester County Times reports.
According to the report, 13 teachers will receive grants totaling $5,175, which will go toward curricular and co-curricular projects, including a "zoo on wheels" assembly, an overnight education field trip and a new computer for a high school music teacher.
Grants, such as those provided by the Pitman Education Foundation, enable teachers to invest in programs and equipment that expand their capabilities. By purchasing for new classroom equipment, such as a computer, a document camera or an HDMI projector, teachers have access to the tools they need to engage students better.
"As budgets get tighter and tighter, these things become almost essential," foundation president Steve Smith told the news provider. "Sometimes we find that there's a book assigned for a class to read, and we can purchase that book. Or, maybe a school needs more SmartBoards so we can keep up with technology. What we fund are things not typically allocated for in the school budget."
Since its founding in 1995, the foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in grants, Smith claimed.
