Idaho State University’s INCLUDE Program Receives Grant to Aid Local Rural High Schools

Idaho State University College of Arts and Letters INCLUDE Program received a grant for $18,000 from Bayer Fund, which will be used to provide technology to four rural high schools so that students will be able to access dual credit opportunities. 

“Opportunity changes lives,” said Holly Kartchner, the College of Arts and Letters Director of Outreach and Retention. “This grant provides the opportunity for people to choose to take the courses that they need to, and go where they want to go and do what they want to do.” 

This grant will provide equipment to four rural high schools: Grace High School, Marsh Valley High School, Shoshone Bannock High School, and Soda Springs High School. Because of limited resources these communities are not currently able to deliver upper level Math and Science classes putting these students at a disadvantage when compared to their urban peers. The INCLUDE project will close this gap through the installation of video conferencing equipment and supporting network infrastructure. This will allow ISU to offer advanced subjects including advanced STEM, college courses, Career and Technical education, and offer professional development for district personnel to improve teacher qualifications to teach dual enrollment courses. 

“Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing an illness or disease.”

In 2020, Bayer Fund awarded more than $17 million to over 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in food and nutrition, STEM education and community development. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $80 million. 

To learn more about Bayer Fund visit https://www.fund.bayer.us.

To learn more about INCLUDE visit https://www.isu.edu/include/.