The Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education that serves high-school students in the Battle Ground School District was recently recognized as a Lighthouse School and will receive a $20,000 grant so it can share best practices with other schools developing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs. CASEE was one of six statewide recipients and the only one in southwest Washington.

“The programs that CASEE has developed for students in Battle Ground and Brush Prairie are exactly what I wish would have been available when I was in high school,” said Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center. “The outdoor ‘lab’ and hands-on approach would have really appealed to a science geek like me. This grant will go a long way toward helping teachers and community partners engage more kids in these science-based fields.”

Schools are selected based on experience creating programs that focus on personalized learning, STEM projects and for partnering with local businesses and community groups. Those chosen as Lighthouse Schools receive the grant to help them share with schools in the early stages of developing STEM-focused learning environments.

A total of 32 schools and 4 districts have been recognized since 2010 when the Legislature created the program, which is administered through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. CASEE is the first school in the Battle Ground district to receive the award.

PHOTO CAPTION: Students at the Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education work in the 80-acre outdoor science lab.