During the second-block period Wednesday, Keith High School senior Sharkela Sheffield spent her time in the business education department typing a scholarship essay for college.

Now, a $35,000 grant to the department will not only enhance her preparation for advanced studies, but will make way for more students to get the hands-on training they need in a world that has grown more and more dependent on technology.

Computers, copiers, scanners, laptops, digital cameras and other materials and supplies are to be purchased with the funds to assist students in each area applicable to their need.

Grady explains that students are &uot;going into the job market and they will have to know these computer skills,&uot; let alone for those who are to further their studies.

But the effects of the donation are anything but limited.

More updated equipment and materials will enable students to be more successful during state competitions, something that once was more difficult because of the lack there of.

And now that a new course of study for the Career Tech Program is soon under way, it is imperative that students are exposed to and are knowledgable and able to use the tools of the trade, Keith’s only teacher in the business department, Christine Jones said.

Jones admitted that during a summer conference for teachers she attended a laptop was a must, which was sort of an inconvenience.

Not anymore.

The grant, applied for and presented on behalf of the state by Dallas County Assistant Superintendent Don Willingham, can and will also be used to accommodate other school needs where Grady sees feasible.