Congratulations to our TEN $500 Classroom Grant Winners that were awarded to teachers from across our region! Thank you to all the schools who participated and encouraged application, as well to those who made application going the extra mile for all our students! You continue to make this program a success, and the programs within your school more valuable!
There were TEN $500 Classroom Empowerment Grants that were awarded to teachers/school administrators for the 2022/2023 school year. This includes public and private K-12 schools to support classroom projects that will improve educational opportunities for students. Winning applications were based on projects that best serve the purpose of improving the learning environment and/or increasing educational resources for the students. Applicants and schools are eligible to apply every year, even if the applicant has been a previous recipient. Please note, that the school or district does NOT have to receive electric service from Egyptian Electric Cooperative to qualify. Winners are:
- Kayli Pierson – Parrish Elementary School, Carbondale – HearBuilder for Speech Language Students
- Angela Lysakowski – Sparta Lincoln School – Living Museum
- Sophia Durbin – Chester High School – 3D Printing Fun
- April Bartnick – Murphysboro Middle School – Community Outreach & Pollinator Habitat Restoration
- Jason Geis – Murphysboro High School – Light Up Scholar Bowl!
- Melissa Giblin – Tri-C Elementary, Carterville – Spanish & Bilingual Books for All
- Sarah Hammel – Chester High School – Importance of Procuring a Diverse Library
- Sarah McKinnies – DuQuoin High School, Carbondale – Help us Warm our Greenhouse
- Carla Vaca Diez & Anne Kaszubski – Parrish Elementary School, Carbondale – Magnetic STEM & Language Manipulatives
- Melanie Spears – Unity Point School, Carbondale – Reducing Impacts of Natural Earth Processes on Humans

The Grant Application Form should be completed, AND a double-spaced typewritten request (not to exceed 3 pages) that includes the following. Photos and supporting data are optional, but strongly encouraged:
- A description of the project, what the project will accomplish, and why it should be selected for funding.
- The estimated cost of the project based on researched & provided data.
- An explanation of why funds are necessary for the completion of the project.
- If other funding options have been pursued, the status of those requests.
- When the project will be completed.
- The number of students impacted by the project.
- How the goals of the project will be measured, and what would determine if the project is a success.
- How the project ties to our Touchstone Energy core values: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.