Beyond Sunday Grant Funds Duchesne High School Chemistry Lab Renovation

Chemistry Lab & Classroom Update for Collaborative Learning & Improved Safety

Duchesne High School recently completed construction on an updated chemistry lab and classroom, a project that was funded primarily by a 2019-2020 Beyond Sunday Academic Capacity Enhancement grant.

Duchesne High School applied for a Beyond Sunday grant in 2018 for their project, Chemistry Lab & Classroom – Update for Collaborative Learning and Improved Safety. The $65,000 grant the school received provided substantial funding to complete the project of renovating the chemistry lab.

The need for this renovation at Duchesne was considerable. The space being used as a chemistry lab was 60 years old and had not been designed for chemistry; tables were improperly sized and heavy, they were not heat or chemical resistant and overall were not conducive for today’s collaborative style of learning. Freshman students in particular were negatively affected by the outdated lab facilities, as several freshman classes were unable to use the lab because its configuration did not allow instructors to properly monitor lab activity.

With the new chemistry lab, which includes modern and functional tables and chairs, asbestos-free flooring, fresh ceiling tiles and improved lighting, lab safety will increase and students will have fewer distractions, better able to focus on collaborative learning. Duchesne High School estimates that use of the lab will increase by 20-25%, with 230 students served each year. Importantly, freshman classes will now have the opportunity to utilize the lab. Freshman physical science, statistics and chemistry classes will be among those that use the new lab.

Chemistry Lab & Classroom – Update for Collaborative Learning and Improved Safety is an excellent example of a Beyond Sunday Academic Capacity Enhancement (ACE) grant project, as ACE grants are meant to develop more competitive educational programs in the STREAM disciplines (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics). The updated chemistry lab and classroom will help ensure that current and future students at Duchesne High School receive a quality science education.

To learn more and view a full list of 2019-2020 Beyond Sunday grant awardees, visit rcfstl.org/scholarships-and-grants.

2020-2021 Beyond Sunday Grant Opportunities

Interested in applying for a Beyond Sunday grant for your Catholic school, PSR or pre-K program? This year is the last year to apply for Transformational Innovation grants and the second to last to apply for Academic Capacity Enhancement grants. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to apply for funding to enhance your school! Learn more at rcfstl.org/scholarships-and-grants ​