What is the Creating Learning Connections grant?

To address the issues of the digital divide intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, CDW-G, Intel Corporation, and the LEGO® Foundation have partnered with First Book in the Creating Learning Connections grant (CLC grant). The grant provides holistic learning support designed to fuel education during this critical time by supporting several thousand students and families in Title I schools in the United States impacted by the pandemic. Students will receive critical at-home and in–the-classroom learning resources, including internet connectivity, technology devices and hands-on STEAM learning solutions from LEGO Education.

What is the role of LEGO Education, Intel and CDW-G in this grant?

Through this initiative, Intel and CDW-G are providing a total of $5 million in personal computers, software, configuration services and digital learning resources. They are also providing stipends of $4,000 to each awarded district to address home internet connectivity for kids in need.  

Additionally, the LEGO Foundation is donating $2 million worth of LEGO Education solutions to support STEAM learning at home and in school. The solutions are designed to strengthen students’ 21st digital skills by engaging them in real world problem solving. Whether in a remote set up or a classroom, LEGO Education solutions provide guided experiences to build student confidence. Districts will be invited to choose from three age-appropriate solutions to support STEAM learning for grades 2-8: SPIKE Prime, Simple Machines and Simple & Powered Machines.  

In addition, thanks to the generosity of the Intel Corporation, the remaining applicants were awarded $41.5 thousand in resource grants to purchase new books, ebooks, and other educational resources from the First Book Marketplace. 

How many students will  the CLC Grant reach?

As part of the total grant, underserved families in 17 states will receive support with nearly 15,000 devices being delivered to 45 School Districts.   

Through its donation of STEAM solutions LEGO Education has the potential to reach between 7,500  and 15,000 underserved students.

When do you expect to receive your laptops?/ Have you already received them?

Intel and CDW are partnering to fulfill the device need as soon as possible. Due to supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, we currently expect to receive the devices this fall.

What school districts were awarded the grants?

Forty-five school districts in 17 states including Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Washington received the grants.
The 45 awardees include:

Arizona
Casa Blanca Community School, Bapchule, AZ
Chandler Unified School District, Chandler, AZ
Arizona Autism Charter School, Phoenix, AZ
Cartwright School District, Phoenix, AZ
Imagine Desert West Middle School, Phoenix, AZ
Isaac School District, Phoenix, AZ
Pendergast School District, Phoenix, AZ

California
Redwood City School District, Redwood City, CA
Robla School District, Sacramento, CA
Sunrise Middle School, San Jose, CA
Santa Clara Unified School District, Santa Clara, CA

Georgia
Jefferson County School District, Louisville, GA
Colquitt County Schools, Moultrie, GA

Illinois
Chicago Heights School District 170, Chicago Heights, IL
Tamaroa Grade School District #5, Tamaroa, IL

Kentucky
Warren County Public Schools, Bowling Green, KY
Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY
Madison County Schools, Richmond, KY

Louisiana
FirstLine Schools, New Orleans, LA

Maryland
Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD

Michigan
Shepherd Public Schools, Shepherd, MI

Mississippi
Moss Point School District, Moss Point, MS
Natchez Adams School District, Natchez, MS
Quitman School District, Quitman, MS
Tunica County School District, Tunica, MS

North Carolina
Halifax County School District, Halifax, NC

New Mexico
Mission Achievement and Success Charter Schools, Albuquerque, NM
Jemez Mountain Public School, Gallina, NM
Roswell Independent School District, Roswell, NM

Oregon
South Lane School District, Cottage Grove, OR
Reynolds School District, Fairview, OR
Siuslaw School District, Florence, OR
Klamath Falls City Schools, Klamath Falls, OR
Jefferson County School District 509-J, Madras, OR
Portland Public Schools, Boise-Eliot/Humboldt, Portland, OR
Reedsport School District, Reedsport, OR

Pennsylvania
Interboro School District, Prospect Park, PA

South Carolina
Laurens SC District 55, Laurens, SC
Dorchester School District Four, St. George, SC

South Dakota
Tiospaye Topa School, LaPlant, SD

Texas
Cityscape Schools, Dallas, TX
Alief ISD, Houston, TX
Houston ISD, Houston, TX
Southwest Schools, Houston, TX

Washington
Union Gap School District, Union Gap, WA

Which school will receive the laptops and LEGO Education solutions for their students?

The grant for the 350 Chromebooks and the stipend for internet connectivity has been awarded to Quitman Lower Elementary.

Many thanks to Mrs. Shelia Radcliffe, QSD ELA Curriculum Coordinator and host of Storytime with Mrs. Radcliffe, for authoring the district’s grant application.