Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has selected 117 teachers to receive grants totaling $75,000.
SRNS supports teachers by donating through the Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Programs.
SRNS has contributed over $975,000 to support local teachers in grades 4K through 12th grade from public, private, and charter schools since 2009. Counties included in these donations include Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Orangeburg, Columbia, and Richmond counties.
“As a former educator, this program means the world to me as it recognizes outstanding teachers for their dedication to student learning,” said Taylor Rice, SRNS education outreach specialist. “SRNS continues to put educators first as they develop the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills we need in our future workforce.”
The mini grants help fund different project materials, hands-on kits, and computer programs. Teachers wanting classroom supplies received $500 grants while teachers wanting to enhance their STEM curriculum received $750-$1,000 grants.
“SRNS’ support is instrumental in nurturing students’ passion for STEM, paving the way for rewarding careers,” said Kritina Istre, teacher at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. “The funding will enable the introduction of an Aquaponics unit in my seventh-grade science class, teaching students how to create aquariums, address food deserts, and cultivate soilless plants indoors.”
Over 17,500 students from 68 schools will benefit from this grant in the next school year.
“Educators shape our futures and ignite the curiosity of thousands of young minds daily, aligning with SRS missions for the next 50 years,” said James Wallace, SRNS executive vice president and chief operations officer for the National Nuclear Security Administration. “SRNS Mini Grants are a token of our appreciation for educators as they prepare students who may one day join our workforce and carry out our future national security missions.”
This funding will provide students with new opportunities in the classroom that they might not have had.
“Our entire engineering program is funded by SRNS Mini Grants,” said David Phillips, a teacher at Greenbrier Middle School. “The number of projects and classrooms SRNS has impacted across the Central Savannah River Area is truly remarkable.”
“Last year alone, SRNS Mini Grant funding allowed me to purchase 3D printers, filament, and Edison robots for my classroom,” said April Barbin, a teacher at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. “My kids have learned how to work together, create and code in ways they would not be able to do without SRNS Mini Grants. This program creates thriving STEM students who are well-equipped for middle school and beyond.”
