(May 31, 2001) -- This fall Clark will receive two grants from the California Department of Education. The first grant is a $30,000 AP Challenge Grant. The second is a $300,000 Digital High School Grant, which will give each classroom enhanced Internet connection and integrate technology into the curriculum to improve teaching and learning.

According to the California Department of Education, the Digital High School Grant Program will allow schools to install technology and provide staff training.  The Technology Installation Grant will provide installation support, a one-time $300 per student amount, totaling $300,000.

After receiving the Technology Installation Grant, schools send a report and a certificate of completion of the Installation Grant to be eligible to receive a Technology Support and Staff Training Grant the following year.  The Technology Support and Staff Training Grant is an ongoing $45 per student every year.

Librarian Susan Newcomer, who wrote most of this grant, said that Clark will use this grant to buy computerized lab equipment for the chemistry, biology and physics classes.  “Grants are a really nice opportunity for Clark to be able to offer its students sophisticated and effective learning opportunities,” Newcomer said.

According to Newcomer, these grants are offered to Clark to provide extra funding to academic programs.  “The AP Challenge Grant, specifically, will increase the number of students taking honors and AP classes,” Newcomer said.