Since its inception, the ORAU Education Grant Program has awarded almost $150,000 to help our local schools do more with their science and math programs. ORAU initiated this program to reward the teachers of Anderson County, Tenn., for demonstrating innovation and creativity in the classroom.
The results are inspiring. Using grants awarded by ORAU, these educational leaders have purchased new science lab equipment, curricula, mobile computer labs, and even a human cadaver. Students are building electric cars, taking an after-school photography class, and running home improvement projects for the needy in the local community.
The application process begins in the spring of each year. Awards are made in August.
Students from Norris Elementary School find signs of box turtles at the school’s wetlands project, which was funded in part by ORAU though the Education Grants Program. These students are tracking the growth of the wetlands by noting which local species it attracts through recognizing foot prints, droppings and other methods.