KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― The Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with
Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., a TVA retiree organization, is awarding $1 million in grants to
educators in public schools to develop science, technology, engineering, and math
education projects across the Tennessee Valley.
“TVA is focused on supporting clean-energy technologies and STEM education
that helps today’s students develop the skills needed to work in these careers,” said
Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer.
“Innovation is the key to success, and it’s inspiring to contribute to the next generation’s
visionaries."
The competitive STEM classroom grant program is operated in partnership with the
Tennessee STEM Innovation Network managed by the Battelle organization. The program
received 458 grant applications this year, and 238 were selected for funding. This year,
the program will support about 136,000 students across seven states with hands-on STEM
activities.
“The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is honored to partner with TVA in this
exciting grant program to further STEM education endeavors across the state,” said
Gretchen Brown, operations director. “This opportunity can make the difference for
educators and students as they incorporate 21 st -century skills and real-world problem-
solving. It is a privilege to work with this partnership year after year and continue to serve
the incredible educators of the Tennessee Valley.”
Grants are awarded in urban and rural areas to meet the diverse needs of local
communities. For example, in Lawrenceburg, TN, served by Lawrenceburg Utility Systems, David Crockett, Lawrenceburg Public, and South Lawrence Elementary will expand student experiences through virtual reality. While Summertown Elementary added solar to their new outdoor classroom for enhanced learning. Loretto and Summertown High Schools created projects to expand their AgriSTEM programs. At Lawrence County High School, Sandy Wheeley is adding a Glow Forge laser cutter thanks to TVA. Through these grants, EO Coffman Middle School and Leoma Elementary project are bringing 21st Century skills to their students with cad through 3D scanning and printing that will allow students to better understand the interconnection between science and math and learn about engineering and architecture careers.
Grants up to $5,000 were awarded in a competitive process, and preference was
given to grant applications that explored TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment,
energy, economic development, and community problem-solving. Any school that receives
their power from a local power company served by TVA was eligible to apply.
Since 2018, TVA/BVI has provided nearly $5 million in STEM grants supporting
nearly 600,000 students.
“Supporting education and ensuring students have a solid STEM background is
critical to our children’s future no matter what career path they take,” said TVA Public and
Community Engagement Program Manager Trina Gallman. “I am proud of the
partnerships we have built to help these educators inspire their students through the
STEM activities this program will provide.”
A full list of the grant recipients can be found at 2022-2023 Grant Recipients
(tva.com). For more information, visit www.tvastem.com.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that
provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving nearly 10
million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding,
deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and
investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and
land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and
state and local governments with economic development and job creation.
Comments