The A+ Coalition, an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that the committee has selected an educator as the first recipient of the 2020 Technology in Education grant. Wendi Worsham, an Allied Health/EMR/EMT teacher at Natchitoches Central High School will be awarded the funds for a multi-touch, interactive smart table. This Smart Table will allow for the Allied Health and EMR students to utilize 3D technology to virtually travel through the human body.

At NCHS, the Allied Health/EMR program enrolls approximately 120 students per year and approximately 65% of those students become certified EMRs. Worsham plans to engage her students with the Human Anatomy Atlas software that allows students to view and manipulate thousands of images of the human anatomy. “Nationwide, statewide and more importantly parish and citywide, there is a shortage of emergency medical personnel, as well as fire and law enforcement personnel (all of which benefit from EMR training,” Worsham writes in her application. “I feel that the number of students becoming certified, using this technology, will increase 10-15%.”

The A+ Coalition formally recognized Worsham as the recipient of the Technology in Education Grant at the Natchitoches Parish School Board meeting on Thursday, February 6.

“We are excited that through this grant, we will have a lasting impact on the students who are working to fill such an important workforce gap in our local and state economy,” states Chamber President and A+ Coalition committee member Laura Lyles.

The A+ Coalition, an education initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, offers a platform for organizations and individuals to get involved, stay informed, and give of their time and resources to make an impact on and advance education in Natchitoches Parish. The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Apluscoalition.com Natchitocheschamber.com