BUNKER HILL – Local schools are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants to improve students’ access to remote learning technology, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced Wednesday.

“Many school districts have employed a remote or hybrid learning model to protect staff and students during the pandemic,” Manar said. “These funds can help provide every child with the resources they need to stay engaged in their education during this difficult time.”

Digital Equity Formula Grants, funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, are intended to help schools bridge the digital divide and offer students more reliable access to the technology they need to participate in e-learning. School districts can use the funds to expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets.

More than $80 million was awarded to 471 districts across the state, including 16 school districts in the 48^th State Senate District:

• Taylorville CUSD 3 - $159,778
• Pana CUSD 8 - $98,372
• South Fork SD 14 - $45,472
• Hillsboro CUSD 3 - $116,404
• Litchfield CUSD 12 - $102,887
• Nokomis CUSD 22 - $61,450
• Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education #39 - $66,840
• Decatur SD 61 - $496,087
• Regional Office of Education #40 - $32,269
• Carlinville CUSD 1 - $106,182
• Mount Olive CUSD 5 - $53,839
• Staunton CUSD 6 - $98,300
• Gillespie CUSD 7 - $96,810
• Bunker Hill CUSD 8 - $61,134
• Southwestern CUSD 9 - $104,973
• North Mac CUSD 34 - $97,941

Funding was distributed using a need-based formula. The full list of schools receiving funds is available on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.