Fort Frye awarded grants for STEM, hygiene needs
From left, Dan James with AEP, Fort Frye High School Teacher Jarvis Huck, Fort Frye High School Principal Andy Schob, and Melissa Clark with AEP post with a grant check from AEP Ohio. (Photo provided)
From left, Melissa Clark AEP, Fort Frye Nurse Alison Bates, Fort Frye Elementary Principal Megan Miller, and Dan James with AEP. (Photo provided)
From left, Dan James with AEP, Fort Frye High School Teacher Jarvis Huck, Fort Frye High School Principal Andy Schob, and Melissa Clark with AEP post with a grant check from AEP Ohio. (Photo provided)
From left, Melissa Clark AEP, Fort Frye Nurse Alison Bates, Fort Frye Elementary Principal Megan Miller, and Dan James with AEP. (Photo provided)
Trending
BEVERLY -- Fort Frye Local Schools has received $12,000 in grants from the AEP Ohio Foundation to support career-technical education and student health needs.
Fort Frye High School received a $10,000 STEM grant to purchase a programmable logic controller for its career-technical courses.
Teacher Jarvis Huck said students will use the equipment to learn how to program automated systems used in manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Students also will be able to earn a six-point Allen-Bradley credential toward graduation.
Superintendent Stephanie Starcher said the funding will allow Huck to expand the curriculum and teach skills needed for in-demand jobs.
"This is the second year Jarvis has been in the district, and he has already expanded our career tech course offerings and created The Forge, a student business that makes personalized items through laser printers and other technology applications," Starcher said. "Fort Frye is very grateful for the partnership with AEP."
The district also received a $2,000 grant to purchase hygiene products for students. Fort Frye's wellness program promotes physical and mental health and healthy relationships.
Starcher said schools sometimes assist students who do not have access to hygiene products or other necessities at home. The district has helped students use locker room showers and supplied personal care products. It also provides lice treatment kits to families that cannot access appropriate treatments.
"People truly do not realize all the services public schools are providing in today's world," Starcher said.
Melissa Clark, customer and external affairs manager for AEP Ohio, said the grants will expand STEM education while helping the district address students' basic needs.
"Investments like these reflect our commitment to strengthening schools and helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom," Clark said.