Gwinnett, Atlanta schools win money for innovative learning

Drew Charter School in Atlanta is one of two schools in the metro area to win innovation grants to help students learn in new and innovative ways.

Credit: KENT D. JOHNSON / KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Credit: KENT D. JOHNSON / KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Drew Charter School in Atlanta is one of two schools in the metro area to win innovation grants to help students learn in new and innovative ways.

Two metro Atlanta schools won grants from the state Innovation Fund Tiny Grant program, a competitive program that provides money to traditional public schools, charter schools and school districts to implement challenging small-scale programs that create unique learning experiences.

Drew Charter School’s Media Arts and Science Club will use a $7,990 grant grant to purchase handheld, mobile devices that can be used to in a variety of class spaces on different projects.

The Terra Club at Gwinnett's Dr. M.H. Mason Elementary School won $8,662 to buy equipment and supplies to add to its existing gardens. The club plans to grow and harvest herbs and then sell them to the community, helping students master math and science performance standards.

The schools will evaluate the impact of the programs on student engagement and achievement and submit their findings to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement at the end of the grant period.

Gov. Nathan Deal said: “As we look to ensure that our children reach new heights in educational achievement, we must promote opportunities for more effective academic growth and success in the classroom. Congratulations to the award winners and we look forward to seeing the impact each Tiny Grant will have on the futures of Georgia students.”