WHS students learn grant writing skills, obtain computers

Patrick Carrico is a paraeducator and the sophomore class advisor at Wahkiakum High School. He helps a bit with algebra, but can frequently be found working on other creative projects with students.

One of his most recent endeavors was to incorporate students into working on one of his favorite activities, writing grants. He learned about grant funding, a central function of the arts, while studying painting at Portland State University.

“There’s not a lot for kids to do around here that isn’t sports related, for them to stay out of trouble, said Carrico. “I’m trying to do things with art and technology and kids to keep them out of trouble.“

The students submitted a grant to a non-profit organization out of Portland called FreeGeek.org. FreeGeek.org recycles used computers with more memory and newer processors, paid for with donations by corporations, groups or individuals.

Because computers are made from non-renewable resources, FreeGeek.org is actively involved in the effort to prevent them from ending up with the refuse.

Carrico described the activity of grant writing as thus: “We looked at the aspects of math and science in recycling. Computers are all about numbers. You are describing the age of the processor and the abilities of the school at the time.” He added, “That is why it’s a real world application."

The grant proposal was accepted and the high school has already received several computers. The grant is open ended, and there is no word on how many computers the high school may ultimately receive. “The technology is really dated here,” said Carrico.

Bradley Bigelow didn’t help with the grant writing, but he helped to set up computers.

“I’d done stuff with computers before. I helped with the 4-H’s website, that took a lot of learning of code and stuff. It’s pretty fun,” he said.

“If I have a weird idea or a tech question I ask Bradley,” said Carrico.

Dallas Gott worked on the project as well, setting up the FreeGeek.org computers in the World History classroom on her own time. According to Carrico, she’s quoted as saying, “We all helped write the grant. It was satisfying getting free computers for the school. Instead of saying things are going to get done, it was good to actually get something done.”

Greater access to up-to-date computers and their countless applications is the goal.

“That’s the future I would like to see. All these kids more technologically literate, “ said Carrico.