Prescott South Elementary and Middle School have been 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 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.

“We are excited to have this funding to support hands-on activities and programs that help students develop skills that can apply to real-world problem solving,” said Dr. Catherine Jones, Prescott South Elementary School Principal. “We want to open doors to high quality, rewarding jobs for our students, and the grant will help us introduce them to these subjects from a young age. This grant money will go towards the purchase of the Glowforge machine, an electronic laser cutter and engraver that students can use in the engineering process to create original solutions to problems as they learn about careers like computer programming, manufacturing, and graphic design from our amazing STEM teacher Kattie Stevens. ”

Prescott South Middle School Principal Tera Brooks adds, “I agree with Dr. Jones. Receiving funds to support our students at a young age that continues into middle school is crucial to open the door for students to explore future careers and take learning beyond the classroom. It is rewarding to see our students excited to learn. It is incredible to watch their minds innovate what they are learning. This grant will help our school continue programs like the Bulldog Backpacks, where our greenhouse, instructed by Cecilia Jenkins, will grow fruits and vegetables that we can send home with students. 

Not only are they learning to grow the produce, but they can also take it home and enjoy it and have the knowledge to grow their own garden.” 

Schools awarded grants must receive their power from a local power company served by TVA. The City of Cookeville powers Prescott South Elementary and Middle School. 

“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 applying for a future STEM grant can be found at the TVA STEMready website.