News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Tennessee Valley Authority is offering a $5,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics grant to K-12 teachers and administrators across the Tennessee Valley Region.
TVA Spokesperson Adam May said the organization is looking to give out $1.5 million in grant funding this school year. May said the grant will allow teachers to start or improve STEM programs as many schools in the region do not have the funding to do so.
“We know that schools would like to do more than they can sometimes,” May said. “Teachers especially, we know a lot of teachers that take money out of their own pocket to offer things for their students sometimes, and so this is just a way for us to help those individual educators offer something to their students they feel their students want and would be good at and would be interested in.”
May said the grant has been used to purchase iPads, drones, and 3D printers in years past. May said he hopes the STEM programs that are created will prevent a future workforce shortage.
“We have a shortage of STEM workers not only across the country but also across the Tennessee Valley Region,” May said. ” And we know that while we have a workforce of men and women today who are keeping efficient, stable, and reliable. We also know that we are going to need folks in the future to fill those types of jobs to also protect our environment.”
May said STEM programs expose kids to a variety of careers. May said being introduced to multiple careers at an early age helps the students get an upper hand.
“This is just a way for teachers to get students inspired,” May said. “And they will have a head start on their next phase of education or in their career when they get out of high school if they were able to do some of those types of projects.”
Those interested in applying for the grant can visit the Tennessee Valley Authority’s website. The deadline to apply for the grant is Sunday, September 15th.
