MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley announced a $100,000 grant that will give Cullman County high school students a tool to boost their math and science knowledge and help them explore potential careers.

The Cullman County Board of Education will use the Appalachian Regional Commission grant to purchase laptop computers for labs at seven high schools: Cold Springs, Fairview, Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond, Vinemont and West Point. Students will use the computers to participate in a program that develops skills in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Science, math and computer experience are increasingly important to success in the workforce and throughout life,” Bentley said. “These are skills that will serve students well whatever path they may choose after graduation.”

School system officials say the program will use interactive learning technology to boost students’ test scores in science and math and to provide skills that will be valuable in college and in the workforce. Students will use the computers to complete research for projects that show how professionals use science and math to solve real-world problems.

Congress established the ARC in 1965 as a supplemental grant program to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life and promote economic development in the Appalachian mountain region. The region includes 37 Alabama counties.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama along with a wide range of other programs that support law enforcement, economic development, workforce development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.

Local matching funds of $100,000 are supplementing the grant.

Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers