Classroom Grants again available to educators
Teachers across the nation often struggle with tight budgets and not having the funds available to accomplish specific tasks or projects. Fortunately, educators at schools in the Mohave Electric Cooperative service area enjoy the benefits of the cooperative model. Among its seven core principals lies a concern for community.
This principal gave rise to the Classroom Grants program 25 years ago, currently providing 18 educators an opportunity to receive a $200 grant to help fund expanded classroom learning opportunities from grades kindergarten through 12. “We’re not just an electric utility, we’re a part of the community,” said Terry Puryear, public affairs coordinator at MEC. “Classroom Grants is just one of the many programs MEC has in place to benefit its members.” Interested educators need to apply by 5 p.m., March 13. Grants will be awarded for projects based on need, creativity, benefit to students, age appropriateness, and integration with class curriculum. The funds may be used to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, or other essential items to support special projects. Educators should provide a short description of need, how the funds will benefit students, and a cost breakdown. If the grant will not cover the full cost of the project, include information about how additional funding will be secured. Applications may be obtained at the MEC Member Services
Office at 928 Hancock Rd., online at www.mohaveelectric. com/classroom-grants, in school offices, or just cut off and complete the last two pages of this issue. “This is a way for educators to receive valuable financial support,” Puryear said. “The application process is not lengthy and keeps teachers from having to reach into their own pockets for needed funds.” A few examples of past projects include a virtual trip to Iowa to study the habitat of eagles, learning about the life cycle, studying animal behavior by dissecting owl pellets, and creating and cooking with solar ovens. “This is a wonderful opportunity for educators in the MEC service territory,” Puryear said. “I hope they will take advantage.” The grant program is funded through assigned capital credits at no cost to the cooperative. For more information, contact Terry Puryear at (928) 7580567 or tpuryear@mohaveelectric.com or Zen Mocarski at (928) 758-0579 or zmocarski@mohaveelectric.com. Top, winners of the 2019 Classroom Grants. Educators from 10 different schools were awarded a grant. Left, students from River Valley High School pose alongside reuseable water bottles as part of an entrepreneurship effort to reduce landfill waste.
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