Qwest grant to help with purchase of web design tools
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RONAN — With the help of the Qwest Foundation, Ronan High School is preparing its multi-media class to build websites for local organizations and businesses that couldn’t otherwise afford a graphic designer.
On Oct. 19 the Qwest Montana president David Gibson and Montana First Lady Nancy Schweitzer surprised business teacher Ron Hanson with a $6,000 check to take his multi-media class to a professional level.
The grant will be used to purchase lap tops, projectors and other equipment necessary to present the student-constructed websites to organizations and businesses.
“One of the requirements is that it has to be innovative and maintainable,” explained Hanson. “So, once we design it, we have to maintain it.”
Business teacher Ron Hanson wrote the grant in the spring and didn’t think he had much of a chance of obtaining the grant.
But as it turns out, Ronan High School was one of three schools in western Montana to receive grants from Qwest.
Hanson explained that Qwest gives about $50,000 in grants annually, and high school business teachers are encouraged to complete the lengthy application process to improve curriculums.
He’s excited to start teaching students skills that will be beneficial in their future work or educational endeavors.
“The more computer skills kids get (in school,) the better off they are going to be in our society today,” Hanson said.
The school also has plans to purchase the entire Adobe Creative Suite for students to use. Hanson explained that his multi-media class will use programs like Photoshop and Illustrator to enhance the visual appeal of the websites.
Hanson said that he’s been in contact with a few local businesses, but nothing is for certain just yet.
He added that he plans on advertising and implementing the project following winter break.
