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Extreme Classroom Makeover

Teachers, what would you do with $25,000 in technology upgrades?

ORAU launched Extreme Classroom Makeover in 2008 to help improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in public schools across East Tennessee. The concept played off of home makeover shows that were trendy at the time—one teacher, one classroom and $25,000 in new technology.

In the years since, Extreme Classroom Makeover has become so much more than that. Technological advancements are an everyday occurrence. Most children today are digital natives, seemingly born with smartphones or tablets in hand. Still, some schools do not have the budgets to keep pace with changing technology. Keeping up with current demands seems like a luxury.

That’s where Extreme Classroom Makeover comes in. Our annual competition awards deserving STEM teachers with a room full of the latest educational technology.

In this section:

Teachers: Could you be the next winner of ORAU's Extreme Classroom Makeover?

Teachers: Could you be the next winner of ORAU's Extreme Classroom Makeover?

It's that time of year! Our 2019 Extreme Classroom Makeover contest is now open for applications. Check out this year's contest guidelines and create a video that shows us why your classroom needs a technology makeover! The deadline to submit your application and video is January 25, 2019.

Apply Now

2016 Extreme Classroom Makeover winner Rhea Carmon and ORAU President Andy Page

How do I qualify for Extreme Classroom Makeover?

  • Teach a STEM subject for 3rd through 10th grade
  • Work for a public school within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tennessee
  • Submit a 3-4 minute video creatively illustrating the need and potential uses of technology in their classroom.

View full contest guidelines

Extreme Classroom Makeover winning class

Watch the classroom reveal at West View Elementary!

In April 2018, ORAU presented West View Elementary School teacher Patrick Pollock with a $25,000 technology makeover during a surprise classroom announcement. In July 2018, we revisited Mr. Pollock's new classroom technology!

West View’s Patrick Pollock wins 2018 Extreme Classroom Makeover

Patrick Pollock, teacher at West View Elementary School in Knox County, was interrupted mid-class by a robot that asked Patrick to take a walk across the hall. Watch the video to see what happened next.

2018 Winner's Entry Video - West View Elementary School (Knox County)


2017 Winner's Entry Video - Rutledge Middle School (Grainger County)


2016 Winner's Entry Video - Austin-East High School (Knox County)

Knoxville teacher Jordan Haney with his Extreme Classroom Makeover winning students

Where are they now: Extreme Classroom Makeover winners

“I won Extreme Classroom Makeover more than eight years ago, and the items I won are still impacting my students’ education today.”

Jordan Haney, a teacher at Rocky Hill Elementary School in Knoxville, won the Extreme Classroom Makeover grand prize in 2010. Among the items Haney bought to outfit his classroom were a Promethean Board, which is a type of interactive white board, and iPads to be used by each of his students. He says Extreme Classroom Makeover is still making a difference in his classroom.

Contact us

Want to learn more about Exteme Classroom Makeover? Contact Jenna Harpenau at 865.574.8669 or extreme.classroom@orau.org.