Document text
Eagle Point High wins grant By Damian Mann EAGLE POINT � Students and adults in this rural community will receive a $600,000 shot in the arm from a federal grant recently awarded to the high school. The money, available in June, will be given to the school over three years to allow expanded after-hour programs and the purchase of a $50,000 wireless, mobile computer lab. Part of former President Bill Clinton�s plan to keep schools open after 3 p.m., particularly in rural areas, the grant will give the school $244,275 the first year, $179,304 the second year and $184,032 the third. The school considers this the largest competitive grant it has ever received. "It is going to have a major impact on the Eagle Point community," said Samantha Steele, the school�s grant writer and academic counselor. In cities like Medford and Ashland, there are plenty of community programs available, but in Eagle Point, the 1,200-student high school is the main attraction, she said. "It�s the largest building in town. The local landmark is the high school. Even in a losing football season, we pack the stadium." As a result, residents in Eagle Point and surrounding communities depend on the school�s facilities for everything from adult education to weddings. The grant will allow the school to extend its hours and add on a few additional services. Eagle Point has a per capita income of just $9,790 compared to the county�s $12,492, according to the 1990 census. This, along with a lack of local community resources and its geographical isolation, made it eligible for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. The money also will fund up to seven courses a year, eight summer classes, after-school supervision, 75 scholarships for adult education, money for sports and increased custodial support. The library and weight room will have extended hours. The mobile computer lab, featuring a cart with 24 laptops that can be wheeled to a classroom, will be used during regular hours and after school. Even though the project is funded for three years, Steele said the school might eventually have to look for local support. "The scary thing is it�s not easy to get it renewed after 3 years. And under the Bush administration, the program will probably not be continued," Steele said. Theresa Erickson, active in school activities, said a survey she helped conduct showed only 19 percent of the local kids felt valued by the community. "This program will be wonderful," she said. "To have something available like this, especially for the kids, this is just tremendously valuable." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.