Tester announces new education assistance for Great Falls Public Schools

Defense Department grant will support math and science classes, hire teachers

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Great Falls Public School District will receive an important grant from the U.S. Defense Department to expand learning opportunities for Great Falls students and create jobs by hiring new teachers.

The Great Falls district will use the grant to start a science, technology and math program for fifth-grade students in collaboration with the Montana Air National Guard (MANG). 

The six-year course will teach nearly one thousand students every year and create three new teaching positions starting in April of 2012.

Tester, who wrote in support of the Great Falls grant, said that the course’s curriculum will inspire students and open new career options.

“As a former teacher, I know the importance of investing in education and exposing more Montana students to math and science at a young age,” Tester said.  “I can’t think of a better partner for Great Falls than MANG to demonstrate these concepts and spur interest in these subjects.  I’m pleased that Great Falls schools are joining with the Defense Department to put more teachers and airmen to work improving Montana’s future.”

The Defense Department education initiative, known as STARBASE, is a highly efficient and effective hands-on educational initiative that strengthens relationships between the military, communities, and school districts.

Great Falls joins Helena as Montana communities receiving STARBASE support.

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