Classroom Empowerment Grants (Touchstone Energy)

Classroom Empowerment Grants

Number of Awards: 8-10 grants annually (increased from 8 to 10 in recent years)

Geographic Scope: EECA service territory in Illinois (K-12 schools)

Purpose:
Grants designed to improve educational opportunities for students by funding classroom projects that enhance the learning environment and educational resources.

Eligibility:

• Public and private K-12 schools
• Located within EECA service territory
• Eligible applicants: Teachers and school administrators

Focus Areas:

• Educational equipment and resources
• STEM education
• Classroom technology (Chromebooks, interactive tools, projectors)
• Sensory and specialized learning tools
• Agricultural education
• Special education resources
• General classroom improvement projects

Award Basis:
Projects selected by independent panel of judges based on:

• Best service to improve learning environment
• Increased educational resources for school
• Educational value and impact

Core Principle: Commitment to Community (Touchstone Energy)

Contact Information:

• Brooke Guthman
• Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
• 1732 Finney Road
• Murphysboro, IL 62966
• Phone: 800-606-1505
• Email: bguthman@eeca.coop

Application Process

1. Download application form from eeca.coop website
2. Receive application from:
   • EECA offices
   • October Illinois Country Living magazine
3. Complete application with project details
4. Submit by deadline: 4:00 p.m., typically early November
5. Awards announced: typically by December 15

Required Information:

• School name and location
• Teacher/Administrator name and contact information
• Project description and educational purpose
• How funds will improve learning environment
• Project timeline and implementation plan

Selection Timeline:

• Applications accepted: approximately September-November
• Deadline: Early November (4:00 p.m.)
• Awards announced: December 15
• Funds awarded for school year project execution