Funding, Grants & Awards

$1 Million DoD Grant to Improve Math Achievement, STEM Career Readiness

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/24/18

The Bremerton School District has won a $1 million, five-year grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity to improve academic achievement in math and career readiness in STEM fields.

"I think [math is] really very critical when we're looking at STEM careers," said Linda Hupka, director of career, technical and STEM education for the district, in a local report about the grant. "They need to be prepared. We need to really be making sure, by the time they get to high school, if they've decided on a career that takes a lot of science and math, they're ready."

Much of the funding will go toward professional development, interventionists and counselors to help students look ahead toward their careers and summer STEM programs, Hupka said. The current school year is being used for planning and the district will hire a part time coordinator and other staff to determine what the professional development needs are.

"I am thankful that this federal grant can help us to provide targeted professional development for our staff that will result in an increase in math achievement for all students in our community," said District Superintendent Aaron Leavell in a prepared statement. "Furthermore, feedback from our community places a high priority on developing students who are prepared for college, career and life. This grant funding will help us to take steps toward expanding opportunities that will provide a strong college- and career-ready environment for students."