A first-of-its-kind robotics program at Luther Burbank High School is getting an infusion of much-needed technology thanks to a $10,000 grant from Closing the Gap, a nonprofit that funds programs addressing the academic achievement gap for local students at “Title 1” schools.
The award was given at an evening ceremony hosted on Nov. 5 at IT firm Delegata Corp.’s office in Natomas.
"Currently all the freshmen in my Integrated 1 mathematics class have little to no access to technology. The purpose of this (grant) is to change this while making learning math more engaging and real to the students. This grant will be used to buy a set of laptops, a 3-D printer and the required software so I can teach the UC Davis C-STEM Integrated Math 1 class," said Luther Burbank High School math teacher Clay Dagler.
Dagler and Principal Jim Peterson accepted the award on behalf of the school. Dagler is currently a finalist for a national teacher of the year award.
All students enrolled in Burbank High’s Business Learning Community are required to take the robotics course, said Cheryl Miles, president of Closing the Gap. Without the grant, the classroom would have to share just one laptop among the students. UC Davis provides the robots used in the course, which was developed in partnership with the UC Davis STEM Center.
The course applies algebra and geometry to computer programming and robotics, and links to Common Core curricula.
Last week Closing the Gap also gave $10,000 to the Sacramento Police Foundation’s academy program for SAT test prep and other college readiness activities, and awarded $27,000 to the Improve Your Tomorrow college preparedness program at Valley High School in Elk Grove, Calif.
Editor’s Note: Techwire parent company e.Republic Inc. is a supporter of Closing the Gap.
