PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce is excited to announce that schools in the 40^th Illinois State Senate District are set to receive nearly $2 million in funding to improve local students’ access to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“E-learning is a new reality for many students during the pandemic,” Joyce said. “This funding will assist schools in giving students the resources they need to take an active role in their studies.”

The funds will be distributed to 14 schools in the 40^th State Senate District:

• Bloom Township School District 206 – $195,442
• Bourbonnais School District 53 – $164,063
• Bradley- Bourbonnais Community High School District 307­ – $143,067
• Bradley School District 61 – $103,252
• Chicago Heights School District 170 – $192,866
• Gardner School District 72C – $38,845
• Gardner-South Wilmington Township High School District 73 – $40,390
• Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 – $190,530
• Iroquois/Kankakee ROE School District – $37,324
• Kankakee School District 111 – $293,195
• Manhattan School District 114 – $118,740
• Park Forest - Chicago Heights School District 163 –$123,021
• Safe Schools - Iroquois/Kankakee ROE School District – $30,594
• Anne Community High School District 256 – $46,676

The Digital Equity Formula Grants, funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, are intended to help schools expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets. Funding was distributed using a need-based formula.

“We must continue to work together to ensure every child, regardless of their zip code, receives the support they need to be successful,” Joyce said.

For more information about COVID-19 and education, visit isbe.net/covid19.