SMETHPORT — Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London has announced the district has been awarded a grant of $129,000 from the George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation for the development of the district’s STEM program.

“Funds will be utilized to implement a four-phase STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — education in our schools,” London said.

Phase I includes the development of a STEM lab for the Smethport Area Elementary School. “The lab will include cutting edge technologies to motivate and educate Pre-K through sixth grade students in the STEM areas,” London said. “A curriculum has been developed to implement STEM activities for all elementary grades. The curriculum will continue to expand and professional development opportunities will be provided for our teachers.”

In Phase II, the high school science department will be provided with Vernier Digital Science equipment to conduct high end science experiments and engage students in higher level learning and the use of digital technologies.

“Phase III includes a secondary STEM lab to be used in furthering the capabilities of our technology education department and provide STEM experiences for high school students,” according to London.

Phase IV will see the promotion of 21st century learning through a one-to-one technology program. At this point, each high school student will be provided with a technology device — Chromebook or laptop — to increase learning, communication and collaboration.

The phases of this project will be implemented over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years.

“The district is very grateful to the George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation for their financial support for our STEM goals,” London said. “Along with this grant, funding has been secured through our district budget and other grant sources.”