Partnerships that matter: ORAU and Norwood Elementary’s STEM education success story

At ORAU, we believe that education is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. As an organization deeply rooted in advancing science, health and education, we are committed to empowering the next generation of learners and leaders. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by supporting local schools through education grants, which fosters opportunities for both students and educators.

Since launching our education grant program in 2002, ORAU has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources to local schools. These grants have enabled transformative experiences, and we love sharing the impact through personal stories like the remarkable progress that’s happening at Norwood Elementary School in Oliver Springs, Tenn.

In 2025, ORAU awarded two education grants to teachers at Norwood. Grant recipients are selected through a rigorous committee-review process based on the strength and innovation of their project proposals. Norwood’s proposals stood out due to the school’s comprehensive approach to STEM education. This dedication recently earned Norwood the prestigious STEM school designation through the state of Tennessee’s Department of Education.

We spoke with Lyndsay Foust, principal of Norwood Elementary, shortly after the school received its STEM designation. To celebrate this milestone, the school hosted a small event, inviting community partners (including ORAU) to join in the merriment. Foust shared that achieving the STEM school status was a multi-year effort that relied on support from both within the school and the broader community. She emphasized how vital partnerships like those with ORAU have been in making this achievement possible.

“This year, we are thrilled to fund innovative STEM projects that will empower teachers and inspire students,” said Meghan Millwood, ORAU president and CEO. “Science and learning lie at the heart of ORAU’s mission, and we are proud to support East Tennessee teachers by providing the tools they need to create dynamic learning environments. By investing in these classrooms, we are investing in the future. We’re helping students build the skills and passion needed to pursue careers in STEM fields. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on students and their communities.”

In Tennessee, the Department of Education awards STEM and STEAM designations to schools that demonstrate exceptional integration of science, technology, engineering, arts (specifically for STEAM designation), and math into curriculum and school culture. Achieving this designation is a comprehensive process that includes submitting an application, conducting a self-assessment and plan, implementing STEM/STEAM practices, and undergoing a site visit and evaluation.

Another note worth mentioning: ORAU supported Claxton Elementary in Powell, Tenn., over the last couple of years through our Extreme Classroom Makeover program. Earlier this year, Claxton Elementary received STEAM designation. Claxton teachers and administrators credit achieving that status to a few key projects ORAU supported through grants.

ORAU is honored to play a role in fostering educational excellence in our region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local schools and empowering the next generation to achieve greatness in STEM, STEAM and beyond.