NASHVILLE ― The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) announced this week the award of $1 million in grants to educators in public and private schools to develop science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education projects across the Tennessee Valley. The competitive grant program is funded through a generous donation by the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated (a TVA retiree organization).
The TSIN received 336 grant applications for both large and small projects from across TVA’s seven state service territory. Two-hundred-thirty-three applications, including seven Upper Cumberland applications, were selected for funding to further STEM education initiatives in the classroom. Compared to the 2020/2021 academic year when 197 grants were awarded with $800,000 in funding, the program continues to grow and benefit more schools and students across the Valley region.
The Upper Cumberland classrooms receiving grants were:
| Tammi Terry | Pine Haven Elementary | Fentress County |
| Suzanne Goolsby | Burks Elementary | Putnam County |
| Kattie Stevens | Prescott South Elementary | Putnam County |
| Leah Burnett | Prescott South Middle School | Putnam County |
| Rebecca Ryan | Findlay Elementary | White County |
| Logan Quillen | BonDeCroft Elementary | White County |
| Teresa Buckner | White County Middle School | White County |
“The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is honored to partner with TVA in this exciting grant program to further STEM education endeavors across the state,” said Brandi Stroecker, Director of the Network. “This opportunity can make the difference for educators and students as they incorporate 21st century skills and real-world problem solving. It is a privilege to work with this partnership year after year and continue to serve the incredible educators of the Tennessee Valley.”
The classroom grant program provides teachers an opportunity to apply for funding up to $5,000 for STEM projects that explore TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment, energy, economic development, and community problem solving. Schools who receive grant funding must receive their power from a TVA distributor.
“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.”
