Attention, East Tennessee STEM teachers in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott Counties! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to bring your innovative ideas to life. ORAU’s annual Education Grants program is now open for applications, and the deadline to submit your proposals is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Mark your calendar and plan accordingly!
ORAU is committed to advancing science, technology, engineering and math education by empowering teachers with the resources they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. Each year, we allocate thousands of dollars in funds to support teachers from our surrounding communities in paying for projects that foster creativity, educational enrichment and hands-on learning in STEM fields. Whether you’re dreaming of new robotics equipment, interactive STEM stations, or tools to enhance spatial reasoning, this grant program could make your vision a reality.
How it works
Teachers submit proposals for specific projects they aim to implement in the upcoming school year but lack the resources to execute. Our selection committee, comprised of former classroom educators, evaluates submissions based on proposal quality, educational enrichment, creativity and available funding from ORAU.
Success stories from last year
Last year, ORAU awarded grants to eight local teachers, enabling them to pursue exciting STEM projects. Here are just a few examples of how the funding made a difference:
Clark Ward, Glenwood and Woodland Elementary Schools:
Ward, the Innovation Coach at Glenwood and Woodland Elementary Schools, provided teachers at his schools with 3D pens and filament to help young learners explore engineering and design. “This project brings hands-on 3D design experiences to our youngest learners, sparking creativity and deepening spatial reasoning from an early age,” he explained.
Glenwood Elementary kindergarten teacher works with a student on fine motor skills.
Kimberly O’Dell, North and South Clinton Elementary Schools:
O’Dell purchased drones to teach students block coding and introduce them to accelerometers, gyroscopes and obstacle detection. “From coding to drone flight to computer science, these projects aren't just exciting—they're essential for building 21st-century skills that prepare students for the future,” she said.
South Clinton Elementary students are all smiles as they hold their new classroom drone.
Bobbie Clements, Rockwood High School:
Her journalism students received professional-grade TV technology, including a green wall, cameras, microphones, and lights. “This equipment will not only preserve the vital storytelling our students do—it will elevate it, giving them access to professional tools and helping us build a modern, innovative media environment,” Clements shared.
Rockwood High School students show off their new green screen and lights for their journalism class.
Dawn Huckeby, Robbins Elementary School:
Huckeby brought stop-motion animation tools and LEGO Education sets to her library to help her students connect with stories in new ways. “I think they will pay closer attention to details and become more involved with the story when they know they will be creating a project to animate,” Huckeby shared.
Librarian Dawn Huckeby displays new STEM tools she will use during story time.
Courtney Bass, Norwood Elementary School:
Bass used her ORAU grant to create sensory and STEM stations for kindergarteners, including a STEM wall and light table. “Students will be able to take their learning a step further through hands-on experiences,” she said.
Norwood Elementary student learns with new light table.
Why apply?
Since its inception, ORAU has awarded more than $580,000 in education grants to East Tennessee schools, helping teachers and students reach new heights in STEM education. Could your classroom be next? Imagine the possibilities for your students if your STEM dream is supported!
Submit your proposal today!
Don’t wait. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on your students and their futures. Learn more about our grant program and submit your application today. Together, we can inspire curiosity, innovation and a love for STEM in classrooms across East Tennessee.