DICKSON, Tenn. — Creek Wood High School is among the 343 schools selected to receive a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in collaboration with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. (BVI), a TVA retiree organization. The partnership between Dickson Electric System and TVA helps to invest in the future of energy to meet the evolving needs of the community and reduce environmental footprints. In an interview with Kayla Fuller, Executive Assistant, and Communication Specialist, who works for Dickson Electric she explains, “STEM is a big part of who we are and our relationship with TVA, it’s important to us to encourage young minds to look into this field”.
Educators from across TVA’s seven-state region submitted proposals outlining specific projects or programs they intended to implement, with grants of up to $5,000 available aiming to support science, technology, engineering, and math education initiatives. Ronald Schlangen, a teacher at Creek Wood High School, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: “This grant will help us offer hands-on activities and programs for students that develop skills to solve real-world problems.”
Creek Wood High School, served by Dickson Electric System, plans to utilize the grant to equip its Robotics Club with drones and necessary gear. This initiative aims to enhance students’ skill development and help serve as an opportunity to receive their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Such exposure not only boosts their learning but also prepares them for a competitive landscape within the expanding drone workforce.
Commenting on the significance of STEM education, Jeannette Mills, TVA’s executive vice president and chief external relations officer, emphasized the corporation’s commitment: “TVA is dedicated to supporting schools and educators fostering STEM education, recognizing that our young people are the architects of the future’s energy systems.”
Since 2018, TVA and BVI have collectively awarded nearly $6 million in STEM grants, underscoring their commitment to nurturing local education. A list of grant recipients and details on applying for future STEM grants are available at www.tvastem.com.