Jordan teachers to get mini-grants due to Comcast

Last year, a class of students with severe handicaps from Jordan School District was able to walk into a restaurant and order with the help of electronic devices provided by a Jordan Education Foundation mini-grant.

Teachers across the district will now be able to receive more than $10,000 in mini-grants because of a contribution from Comcast.

"There is nothing more important than educating our kids," foundation director Steven Hall said. "Better education leads to a better community and a better workforce."

The foundation each year accepts applications from teachers for mini-grants of up to $500 to enhance classroom learning. Hall said about 80 percent of the grant money is used to purchase books.

Last year, a Jordan district teacher had students at eight reading levels and used the grant to buy different levels of reading books that all looked the same. That allowed students who previously wouldn't read in front of others to not feel singled out and helped transform them into avid readers, Hall said.

"That by itself makes all these programs worthwhile," he said.

In addition to the grant, Comcast has provided a day of service to schools throughout Utah for the past seven years. Hundreds of volunteers helped paint classrooms and playground equipment and do landscaping and cleaning.

"We do this for the kids," said Ray Child, Comcast's director of public relations. "We are big believers in giving back to the communities we serve."

e-mail: frobinson@desnews.com