FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paul Hodes has secured a $432,000 grant to develop and operate a program to allow students to virtually visit Mt. Washington in the Omnibus Appropriations bill; end-of-year legislation which includes most discretionary funding for the federal government and which this year makes key investments in New Hampshire. This legislation was approved late Monday night by a vote of 253-154, and is expected to be signed into law by the President before the end of the year.

“This funding will provide a one of a kind learning opportunity to classrooms all over the country,” Congressman Hodes said. “By combining technology with the environment we are able to provide a unique learning experience and bring a piece of New Hampshire to students everywhere.”

“High quality science education is so vital and we are grateful to Congressman Hodes for his work in supporting our new initiative,” said Scot Henley, Executive Director of the Mount Washington Observatory. “This funding will allow us to offer exciting, engaging educational programming, live from the summit of Mount Washington and delivered to classrooms far and wide. We will be able to combine the excitement of the mountain’s extreme weather with our expertise in science education, giving students a one-of-a-kind learning experience.”

The federal money will be used to set up a “virtual field trip” for students around the country. Using teleconference technology, students in classrooms across the nation can link up with the observatory at the summit of Mount Washington. This funding will allow for program development, educational content, and the audio visual equipment necessary to deliver top quality programming to schools across the nation.

Mount Washington has long been an important piece of New Hampshire’s landscape and history. The allocation of these funds and the implementation of this program, means that children nationwide will now be able to experience the beauty and radiance of Mount Washington.


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www.hodes.house.gov