TVA Partnership Awards Local Schools STEM Grant

Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, recently awarded Forge Ridge School and Hancock Elementary School $2,500 and $5,000, respectively, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects to help spark student interest in future careers in STEM-related fields.

Teachers across TVA’s seven-state region applied for funding of up to $5,000 for projects, and 233 applications were selected. Schools who are awarded grants must receive their power from a local power company served by TVA. Forge Ridge School and Hancock Elementary School are both powered by Powell Valley Electric Cooperative.

“Congratulations to Forge Ridge School and Hancock Elementary School for being a TVA STEM grant recipient,” said Brad Coppock, Powell Valley Electric Cooperative’s General Manager. “These grants will aid schools in building the foundation on which tomorrow’s engineers and scientists will build their education. We are grateful to TVA for making an investment in our community’s youth and proud to be part of the process.”

Both schools used the grant to purchase hands-on materials to use in the classroom. Students will use these materials to develop a deeper understanding of STEM-based subjects.

“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.”

Since 2018, TVA and BVI have awarded nearly $2 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.