The grant, which will total $644,000 over a three-year period, was secured by Montgomery County Community College, with PASD being the only school district in Chester County selected as a partner. The contributions of Phoenixville Area High School Physics teacher, Gerard Jennings, were integral to this accomplishment.  His initial position paper regarding the needs of a well developed science curriculum in a public high school was applauded by National Science Foundation grant reviewers.

As the grant process unfolded, PASD Science teachers from across the school district participated by completing surveys that included a “wish list” of what they would teach their students, given the necessary laboratory equipment and professional development.

The grant will give K – 12 science teachers additional tools needed to provide students with a state-of-the-art science education. Working in concert with area research laboratories, Montgomery County Community College will distribute equipment and supplies to the participating schools, which Mr. Jennings listed as one of the most important aspects of learning.

Access to and assistance with operating more advanced/sensitive equipment for student experiments, such as high speed digital cameras was number one on his list of ancillary training, experience, and/or assistance he felt would most enhance his ability as an educator to engage students in science and technology.

Two of the main grant objectives include providing actual laboratory equipment and supplies for classroom use and giving students and educators the opportunity to tour research labs in the areas of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and engineering operations, during “A Day Out In The Lab” trips.

In addition, the grant will give educators the opportunity to participate in Educator Training Workshops, including two five-day courses during the summer geared toward upgrading teachers’ skills in the fields of engineering and biotechnology. Educators who opt to participate will be invited to various and optional professional development days. All educators will have the opportunity to be part of day-long intensive seminars that serve as ancillary enrichment and training for Educators and matriculating college Education majors. These programs will foster networking between Educators, industry experts, and future sci/tech Educators.

The grant will also allow educators to arrange for guest speakers in the classroom to share science breakthroughs and trends, and real work experiences and expectations.  Speakers will be experts from industry and academia and the presentations will provide additional exposure to Educators and students on current advances in sci/tech, as well as newly realized and potential applications of the technology.

 Lastly, there will be a continued focus on seeking opportunities for Dual Enrollment, which allows high school students to enroll in advanced courses and receive college credits.