Austin, TX—The Austin Independent School District’s Becker Elementary School has earned a $25,000 grant from Target as part of its Give with Target initiative. Becker Elementary is the only school in Central Texas to receive one of the national grants.

“It is an honor to be one of only 100 schools across the country to receive this grant," LaKesha Drinks, Becker principal, said. “We are humbled and encouraged by the support our district’s leaders and the Target corporation have provided to our campus as we work toward our goal of providing academic programming that addresses the needs of the whole child.”

The funds will allow the school to update its technology to enhance classroom instruction. For example, each classroom will be provided with at least one iPad. The school’s library will receive new resources to facilitate cooperative learning in bilingual pairs of students.

Becker, which has experienced increased enrollment of students during recent years, can use the additional funding to expand student enrichment programs, such as dual language educational opportunities and green, gardening projects.

The campaign is part of Target’s goal to provide $2.5 million in grants to 100 schools with high needs across the country.

For more information, please contact the Department of Public Relations and Multicultural Outreach at 414-2414.