HARRISBURG – Five area school districts and the intermediate unit serving students in the 67thLegislative District were awarded nearly $60,000 in Continuity of Education and Equity Grants (CEEG) by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the current academic year.

“This is a very difficult time for our school districts, students and their families,” State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said. “These grants are designed to help ensure students have access to the resources they need to continue their education even though they can’t be in physical classrooms.”

Schools with the highest percentage of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants, which totaled $5 million statewide. Based on those criteria, Oswayo Valley School District was awarded $29,300, Cameron County School District was awarded $11,750, Kane Area School District was awarded $11,250, Coudersport Area School District was awarded $7,400, Smethport Area School District was awarded $5,500 and Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 was awarded $5,200.

According to the Department of Education, CEEG grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education.

The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework.