Southgate Elementary School is getting an upgrade.

CenturyLink officials awarded Southgate teacher Sherri Pike a $7,444 grant to install six computers in her classroom Thursday during the school’s awards ceremony on the last day of school.

“They’re going to be in the 21st century learning,” Pike said.

As part of Pike’s request, students will use multimedia tools to learn about scientific methods, among other things. Pike’s vision, according to the grant, is to get students to learn about scientific principles using web tools, Flip video cameras and other methods to create projects.

“This is a wonderful example of a company partnering with our schools, and it’s so exciting,” Principal Edwina Harder told students at the assembly Thursday.

Pike was taken aback by the news, as CenturyLink and district officials kept the award a surprise. Yet she’s excited by the project, as it will help students prepare for the scientific lessons at the new fifth- and sixth-grade intermediate school.

“We can help students and utilize their time more efficiently,” Pike said.

Pike said the grant is one of many she and other district teachers are pursuing to bring more initiatives to the classroom.