JACKSON TWP — Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that the Seneca Valley School District will receive $35,000 in grant money as part of the PAsmart Targeted grants, a statewide effort to expand computer science classes and teacher training.

Seneca Valley was one of a select number of Western Pennsylvania schools to receive the grant and the only one from Butler County.

Seneca Valley has pinpointed grades three through six as periods when all students can be exposed to high quality, age-appropriate computer science learning.

Specifically, the grant will expand Seneca Valley’s elementary club offerings by supporting and encouraging educators to present computer science-related clubs beyond the graded curriculum.

“We believe that by providing early exposure and sparking interest in computer science and STEM concepts, students will be more likely to take the mid-level and high school computer science courses offered in the district,” said Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley director of advancement.

Such clubs as robotics, coding and artificial intelligence could be offered at the fifth- and sixth-grade level during the school day.

Additionally, six Seneca Valley teachers will participate in professional development training. They will learn how to make computer science concepts accessible, exciting and appropriate for the grade levels of students taught.

The intent is to develop connections between the projects that are part of Creativity, Innovation, Research Center (CIRC) classes and to use programming and physical computing to support them.

“Longer term, we believe this will result in more students opting to take computer science offerings at the middle and high school levels,” Mersing said.

This is the second grant issued to Seneca Valley through the governor’s office in January.

The first grant was $25,000 and was awarded to Seneca Valley on Jan. 6. It’s meant to assist with expanding workplace opportunities across the district.

This newest opportunity was one the governor said he’s hoping will also help assist with future job prospects.

“PAsmart is strategically investing in science and technology education, so students develop the skills they need for high-demand jobs,” Wolf said.

Using PAsmart, Wolf said the state is investing in educators by providing training opportunities.

Ultimately, Wolf said he wants Pennsylvania to help students excel in school, grow the middle class and strengthen the economy.

Mersing and Jeff Roberts, Seneca Valley supervisor of gifted education and student services, partnered to submit the grant on behalf of the district.