Education

The University of California system could potentially add 20,000 seats and new programming for incoming students by 2030. The changes come amid surging enrollment demand as schools slowly return to business as usual.

Students received a new Chromebook with 5G access built into the device. Those without access at home can access the Internet anywhere with these devices, making it easier to collaborate on projects.

These devices are part of the 1:1 Middle School Student Device Initiative in which the Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education hopes to provide devices to every middle school student by next school year.

Connecticut’s Stonington Public School system was the target of a ransomware attack earlier this week. The police department was also reportedly working to protect itself from a similar attack.

Under a bill advancing in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, parents would be granted access to school curriculum, textbook titles and lesson plans with a few clicks of a mouse.

The screening tool was first created in 2008 and is touted for being strengths-based, which means it asks questions about positive behaviors and focuses on building those up, instead of seeking negative behaviors.

Cal State Bakersfield has won a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help expand access to STEM-related fields through internships, community outreach, research and local partnerships.

Whatcom Community College in Washington state intends to use a $7.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to double the amount of students in its cybersecurity program.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has added a new bachelor's program after popularity in the cybersecurity minor soared. The program intends to smooth out transitions for transfer students.

The Cobb Board of Education approved this week a conversion of Wheeler High School's original theater to a robotics lab. That theater became obsolete after a new one was built several years ago.

The University of Idaho's Women in Engineering Day last week is meant to introduce high school-aged girls to science, technology, engineering and math careers. The event also gives them a glimpse of on-campus life.

The STEMAZing Project looks to integrate robotics, computer programming and engineering across subject areas. The program includes more than 500 Edison robots, books and supporting supplies.

In support of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, the tractor company is donating FIRST robotics class packs to the district. It is also supporting elementary and middle school mentors for students.

In total, the $14.8 million in funding from the federal government will support 3,081,131 devices and 774,115 broadband connections and help connect more than 3.6 million students throughout the state.

The $2 million donation to the university's Center for National Security Initiatives will go toward funding its aerospace and national defense research. The money was donated by The Anschutz Foundation.

Helena College made some major upgrades to its campus. The changes range from run-of-the-mill design updates to equipping classrooms with smart technology and adding a new esports gaming center.

Tech company SAP is promoting the use of virtual reality to help students gain the skills they need for the job market. The company offers a VR program designed to assist students from underserved communities.

Enid Public Schools announced a program that offers discounted Internet service for families that qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program through at least the rest of the school year.