KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Seven states including Alabama will see $1.5 million in grants to help public schools develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. The Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., a TVA retiree organization, is rewarding 343 projects across the Tennessee Valley region.
“TVA is committed to supporting schools and educators who are inspiring an interest in STEM education in students across our seven-state region, as we know our young people will design and build the energy systems of the future,” Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer, said. “Providing resources and access to STEM education is key to inspiring innovation and interest. We’re proud to invest in the next generation’s visionaries.”
A total of 69 public schools in Alabama will be awarded grants. This competitive STEM classroom grant program is operated in partnership with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and managed by the Battelle organization. Since 2018, the organizations have provided nearly $6.5 million in STEM grants supporting over 600,000 students.
TVA says grants up to $5,000 were awarded in a competitive process and preference was given to grant applications that explored their primary areas of focus including 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. A full list of the grant recipients can be found at 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. TVA also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system. They serve nearly 10 million people in seven southeastern states including parts of Alabama.
