The EAST Upgrade Grant offers EAST programs the opportunity to expand and enhance their skills by funding access to more advanced technology. By upgrading their technology and software, EAST programs can better support student projects, encourage creativity, and develop essential skills.

Access to advanced technology enables students to learn coding, 3D printing, design, mapping, and more. Receiving a new iPad or updated computers can foster creative freedom in projects such as designing shirts, posters, and logos. An iPad opens many opportunities for design, as it allows users to hand draw and perfect their ideas with an Apple Pencil.

This year, two programs selected for the Upgrade Grant were Buffalo Island Central Junior High School and Brookland High School. Sara Sills, the facilitator at Buffalo Island Central Junior High School, states that her program plans to invest in a Bambu 3D printer. This printer will help accelerate projects and reduce wait times for students who need to print items. In addition, the program plans to upgrade its camera to capture higher-quality photos and better serve the community.

Sills states, “My students and I are thrilled to have gotten the upgrade grant this year!” In addition, Brookland High School facilitator Katie Dillon expressed her excitement about receiving the grant.

“We were super excited,” Dillon said. “We’ve needed some updated computers and a resin printer and this allowed us to get those items!” EAST at Brookland High School has already launched several mapping projects that students will now be able to complete thanks to new computers that can run the required software. According to Katie, the outdated computers lagged so badly that students were unable to complete tasks within a single class period.

In addition to the new computers and printer, the program is also acquiring a new iPad. Katie says that purchasing a new iPad, “allows the students to work on projects more mobile since the iPad can travel.”

Overall, the Upgrade Grant provides an amazing opportunity for any EAST program. This grant opens up new avenues and paves the way for success. It is easy for students or facilitators to feel discouraged when computers lag, cameras produce poor-quality images, or students are forced to wait hours to 3D print a design. As a student from a program that was recently awarded the Upgrade Grant, I can attest that it truly enhances student motivation and drive to work on and complete projects.