Source: stem.T4L on Unsplash
In the past 10 years, nationwide there has been a push for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in K-12 schooling. As the world becomes more global, the need for jobs in the STEM field has increased tenfold.
To meet this need, the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated, a TVA retiree organization, announced that it would be committing $800,000 in grants to educators in public schools throughout the Tennessee Valley, with $64,000 of that coming to schools in Shelby County.
Fifteen schools were chosen in Shelby County out of the nearly 600 applicants that applied for grants across TVA’s seven-state service territories. Through the grants, nearly 72,000 students will be directly impacted statewide this year alone.
“TVA is committed to supporting STEM education to help develop today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers, scientists, and IT professionals,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president, and chief external relations officer. “It’s inspiring to be able to contribute to the innovators of the next generation."
The schools in Shelby County receiving the grants are:
- Barret’s Chapel School
- Coleman School
- Crosstown High School
- Crump Elementary School
- Hamilton High School
- John P. Freeman Optional School
- Kingsbury Elementary School
- Maxine Smith STEAM Academy
- Memphis Business Academy High School
- Memphis Merit Academy Charter School
- Memphis School of Excellence Cordova
- Memphis School of Excellence Elementary
- Memphis School of Excellence Middle and High School
- Oakhaven Middle School
- Riverwood Option Elementary
Through the TVA’s grant program, teachers were given the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in funding, with grant preference given to projects that focus on the environment, energy, economic development, and community problem-solving. Throughout Shelby County, submitted projects varied between large and small, to further STEM education initiatives in the classroom — both in-person and virtual.
“Despite the new challenges Valley teachers faced in 2020, they are still focused on providing the best STEM education possible and have adjusted to new ways of teaching,” said Community Engagement Senior Program Manager Rachel Crickmar. “I am proud of the partnerships we have built with these amazing educators across the Tennessee Valley over the past few years, and we are pleased to be able to provide some support through this program.”
The full list of the grant recipients can be found at tvastem.com.