The Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation has awarded $3,300 in computer components so Technical Career Center students can gain experience building CPUs and upgrade their basic skills lab in the process.

Approved unanimously by the board last month, the mini-grant was part of the nonprofit’s innovative educational project program which finances one-time classroom proposals that involve new technologies, unusual field experiences, supportive curriculum resources or exceptional instructional strategies.

“When considering the price for these computers, we decided to forego labor costs of a pre-manufactured computer and use our computer technology students to build the CPUs from scratch,” read the grant submission, written by Vocational Resource Educator Barbie Hon. “This proposal serves two purposes then because it also provides enrichment activities for the computer technology students, as well as much needed computers for the entire building.”

The students finished the work order last week in Justin Hager’s computer maintenance class, spending about two hours on each of the 14 devices. The basic skills lab is primarily used to run embedded credit A+ Software and for resume writing, according to instructors.

“The Foundation board is pleased to fund a unique project that not only fulfills a core need for the students at the Technical Career Center, but also will assist in teaching students real world skills needed for a changing career landscape,” stated Dr. Amber Richardson, Foundation president.

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Cutline: Mason Putney and Jasmine Burlbaugh, each of East Carter High School, display the CPUs they helped build.