Sycamore Middle School and Ashland City Elementary STEM Academy are among the 343 schools to be awarded a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education programs for students that will inspire interest in STEM-related fields.
Citing specific projects or programs they hoped to implement, educators from across TVA’s seven-state region applied for grants of up to $5,000.
Schools who are awarded grants must receive their power from a local power company served by TVA. Both SMS and ACESA are served by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation.
SMS teacher Heather Baker and ACESA teacher Riann Offutt-Price, who submitted the grants on behalf of their schools, said: “This grant will help our school offer hands-on activities and programs for students that develop skills that can help solve real-world problems. We know that opportunities in STEM fields are the jobs of the future and TVA’s commitment to STEM education will allow us to begin preparing our students for those careers.”
SMS will use the grant to erect a small greenhouse on their campus to grow fruits and vegetables. Students in several different science classes will be exposed to the planting and harvesting phases and learn more about plant cells, plant reproduction, photosynthesis, and soil chemistry. The food grown will also assist the culinary classes to refine skills in food preparation.
ACESA will use the grant to purchase cooking equipment in the form of multiple toaster ovens. These ovens will be used to cook food that students observe growing in the school’s garden. These ovens will also be used as a tool to make things like bookmarks, crayons, and key chains.
“TVA is committed to supporting schools and educators who are inspiring an interest in STEM education in students across the Valley, as we know our young people will design and build the energy systems of the future,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer. “Providing resources and access to STEM education is key to inspiring innovation and we’re proud to contribute to the next generation’s visionaries.”
Since 2018, TVA and BVI have awarded nearly $6 million in STEM grants to support local education.
A full list of grant recipients, and information on how to apply for a future STEM grant can be found at www.tvastem.com.