Charles Hays Secondary school is receiving $12,500 through the Growing Innovation Program as one of the schools selected for a research project on how to boost student engagement and improve achievement for rural learners.

At Charles Hays Secondary, for one semester, approximately 30 Grade 9 students, under a team of three teachers, will explore the theme of urban development through a community revitalization project for Prince Rupert.

Last March, the Ministry of Education and the University of British Columbia (UBC), through the office of the Eleanor Rix Professorship for Rural Teacher Education, teamed up to launch Growing Innovation. The $300,000 provincewide program provides grants to the districts selected so they can bring their innovative ideas to life and enhance rural learning.

UBC graduate students will offer support and provide resources that may help districts and schools assess the effectiveness of their projects allowing schools throughout the province to learn from one another.

Minister of Education George Abbott is quoted as stating, "This project will not only provide an invaluable personalised learning experience for students involved, but should provide important data and observations on development in Prince Rupert."

Prince Rupert School Board Chair Tina Last is quoted as stating,"We are very proud of the work being done here in the district in support of rural schools and the community and we look forward to sharing our findings with educators across the province."

* Prince Rupert is redefining itself as a vital port and tourism destination after the collapse of its primary industries and a significant drop in population over the last ten years.

* Sixty-one grant submissions for Growing Innovation funding were received from 36 rural districts. Seventeen were selected with a focus on their impact on students in rural communities, innovation, and potential for research.

* The research agreement between the Ministry of Education and UBC will see UBC graduate students guide and document research in the districts this fall. In May 2012, schools, districts and researchers will share information at a symposium at UBC.