Education Grants

Education Grants

Funder: Oak Ridge Associated Universities Inc (ORAU)

Award Amount: Approximately $30,000 total distributed annually (individual award amounts vary based on proposal quality and available funds; in 2024, over $33,000 was awarded to nine teachers)

Program Description:
An annual grant program that awards funding and supplies to K-12 teachers for STEM education programs and classroom improvements. Launched in 2002, the program has distributed over $550,000 in resources to teachers in East Tennessee. The program supports teachers in purchasing supplies, teaching materials, equipment, and technology to enrich STEM learning in their classrooms.

Eligibility

• Geographic scope: Teachers in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane, and Scott Counties in East Tennessee
• Grade levels: K-12 educators
• Subject areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs
• Institution type: Public schools
• Special consideration: Title 1 schools are specifically encouraged

Program Focus

• Strengthening K-12 STEM education
• Purchasing supplies and teaching materials for STEM programs
• Acquiring technology and equipment for classrooms
• Supporting creative and innovative STEM projects
• Enriching STEM learning experiences for students

Examples of Funded Projects

• Interactive globes and building blocks
• iPad minis and technology devices
• Earthworm dissection kits
• 3-D printers (industrial-quality)
• Flight simulators
• Graphing calculators
• Composting systems
• STEM activities and critical thinking materials
• Story time STEM activities

Evaluation Criteria

Funding decisions are based on:
• Quality of the proposal
• Educational enrichment value
• Creativity of the project
• Available funds

Selection Committee

• Committee includes former classroom educators
• Applicants notified in May regarding funding decisions

Contact Information

Communications Team:
• Pam Bonee, Director of Communications: (865) 603-5142, Pam.Bonee@orau.org
• Wendy West, Manager of Communications: (865) 207-7953, Wendy.West@orau.org

Background

ORAU is committed to supporting teachers who are dedicated to strengthening K-12 STEM education in East Tennessee. The program addresses the reality that many teachers lack funding to provide the science, technology, engineering and math exploration that their students need.