Egyptian Electric Cooperative awards TEN Classroom Empowerment Grants yearly of $500 each. Open to both public and private K-12 schools within our service territory, these grants empower teachers and administrators to enhance educational opportunities for students through innovative classroom projects. Winning applications will be based on projects that best serve the purpose of improving the learning environment and/or increasing educational resources for students.
Applications are typically released early September, due early November and announced mid-December. Applications are not limited to public schools, but public schools within our footprint are Marissa, Sparta, Chester, Pinckneyville, Murphysboro, Elverado, Trico, DuQuoin, De Soto, Carbondale, Steeleville, Red Bud, Carterville, and Coulterville.
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.
2023/2024 WINNERS
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. This year’s winners are:
1. Brandi Yates, Special Education Teacher, DeSoto Grade School – Assistive Technology for Special Education
2. Cheryl Korando, English Teacher, Trico High School – THS Book Club
3. Michelle Asa, Special Education Teacher, Carruthers School, Murphysboro – Vermicompost: Giving Food Waste a New Purpose
4. Nina Maether, 6th-8th Math/Science Teacher, Saint Andrew School, Murphysboro – Maker Space
5. Rachel Henry, School Social Worker, Perandoe Educational Program, Red Bud – Life Skills Cooking
6. Sabrina Jeremiah, Kindergarten Teacher, St. Marks Lutheran School, Steeleville – 3D Pen & Coding
7. Steve Kidd, Math Teacher, Marissa Jr./Sr. High School – Marissa Drone Club
8. Tammy Zimmerman, Jr. High Math Teacher, Coulterville CUSD 1 – Get Up! It’s Time to Learn!
9. Taylor Harbaugh, Speech-Language Pathologist, Sparta Lincoln School – Communication for All
10. Terri George, Reading Specialist, DeSoto Grade School – Technology Sparks Bright Readers
