More than $11,000 to support student learning in Belmont, Guernsey and Monroe counties
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Expand Energy, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded 11 grants to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational activities in K-12 classrooms and schools in Belmont, Guernsey and Monroe counties.
The Expand Energy STEM Education Fund at FAO is providing a total of $11,112 in funding to public school districts and educators to implement enhanced STEM-based learning materials, opportunities and experiences this school year.
“Expand Energy is proud to partner with FAO and invest in the communities where we live and work,” said Stephanie Paluda, Expand Energy community affairs manager. “By supporting local educators and providing students with hands-on STEM opportunities, we’re helping open doors to new skills, new experiences and future careers. These grants are one way we can help ensure our young people have every opportunity to realize their potential.”
Grants were awarded to:
- Bellaire Local Schools to purchase Nurcs building tools for the elementary and middle school STEM classes
- East Guernsey Local School District to purchase constant velocity vehicles and other equipment designed to increase students’ understanding of mathematical concepts as they relate to real-world applications of math and science
- Monroe Central High School to purchase supplies and materials for a new after-school science program, through which the high school Science Olympiad students will design and lead interactive science stations for K-5 students
- River Elementary School PTO received two grants: (1) to fund materials for STEM-based activities held during the school’s Deluxe Recess events and (2) to fund a model rocket launching event for the school
- Rolling Hills Local School District to purchase visual models for anatomy and physiology classes and for the Introduction to Med program
- Skyvue Elementary School received three grants: (1) to fund a sixth-grade class trip to the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling University, (2) to fund a seventh-grade class trip to the same center and (3) to purchase oceanic exploration learning materials and coding robots for the third-grade classroom
- Switzerland of Ohio Local School District received two grants: (1) to transform an underutilized school courtyard into an interactive outdoor STEM learning environment with raised garden beds, irrigation systems, soil testing supplies, data collection tools and student workstations; and (2) to purchase slow-motion video equipment for classes, labs and projects in River High School’s math and science departments