Google grants $50k to student play in TD
Photo courtesy of North Wasco School District
Distributed by CASSIDY MONDA with C+C I All About The Good , a public relations firm with offices in Portland and headquarters in Seattle:
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 16, 2023 - Google announced a grant of $50,000 to the North Wasco School District, which will fund the district’s Playworks program within its three elementary schools.
The program currently serves more than 1,200 students offering structured, meaningful playtime to teach lessons in sportsmanship, collaboration, communication, and creative expression while promoting student health and well-being. The funds from Google will be used to train North Wasco County staff and purchase play equipment.
Studies show that structured playtime, like recess, has positive effects on students' mental, emotional and physical health. Not only is recess shown to be responsible for up to 70% of a child’s weekly physical activity, it also has a direct correlation with better performance in the classroom and more positive social relationships.
“This program is all about creating healthier, more confident students through social-emotional learning opportunities, and this grant from Google will bring the training and resources we need to make it a success,” said North Wasco School District Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal. “We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact on our students both in the classroom and on the playground.”
The program has been shown to improve social-emotional learning among elementary students including an increase in inclusiveness, anti-bullying and the use of positive language.
“All kids should have access to the benefits of positive play,” said Kate Franko, Google's Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs. "The skills students will learn through this program are just as important as the skills they’ll learn in the classroom, and we’re happy to help make this available for North Wasco schools.”
Google has supported schools and organizations in The Dalles since 2006, when it opened its very first U.S. data center. Over the years, Google has provided more than $2 million in grants to Wasco County schools and nonprofits, including grants toward mental health services and to connect students to STEM education and robotics.
From the editor - Google has called Wasco County home since 2006 when it opened its very first U.S. data center in The Dalles after negotiating deals for property tax abatements lasting 15 years. Many of its 200 or so employees live throughout the gorge.
Most recently, The City and Wasco County agreed to 40 percent and 50 percent tax abatements for Google’s two new data centers in 2021 that are worth up to $147 million over the 15-year-lifespans of the agreement.
Under new agreements with The City of the Dalles and Wasco County, Google will have the option to build up to two additional data centers. The City of The Dalles has given approvals to site and construct the first data center on the former aluminum smelter site in the Port of The Dalles.
The company also plans to utilize water resources from the local groundwater aquifer after acquiring water rights for 3.88 million gallons per day attached to the former aluminum plant site in The Port of The Dalles. Google has also agreed to pay for $28.5 million of City water upgrades - Tom Peterson
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