MURPHYSBORO – Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association (EECA) is thrilled to announce the winners of its Touchstone Energy Classroom Empowerment Grants for the 2024-25 school year. Ten educators from within EECA’s service area were awarded $500 grants to enrich educational opportunities for their students.
These grants support innovative projects ranging from expanding classroom libraries to facilitating hands-on STEM activities, each designed to make a lasting impact on student learning.
Open to both public and private schools in the EECA service territory, the grant program received numerous impressive submissions. After careful consideration, the following ten educators and their projects have been selected as this year’s recipients:
- Mindy Allen James, Marissa Jr/Sr. High School
Project: Engaging Novels for High School Students
Grant funds will purchase popular modern novels to inspire a love of reading among students. - Maggie Biffar-Sabo, Coulterville High School
Project: Coulterville Ag & FFA Greenhouse
Funding will support greenhouse upgrades and new garden supplies. - Travis Clayton, Carbondale Middle School
Project: Makernauts’ Next Gen Printer
Funding will purchase a new 3D printer to enhance a program helping students improve math skills through hands-on design. - Sharon Fry, Murphysboro Middle School
Project: History Comes Alive
Students will explore ancient civilizations using virtual reality headsets, bringing history to life. - Kelsie Grant, Giant City Elementary School
Project: The Speech Station
A new half-moon table will allow for better student engagement during speech therapy sessions. - Kim Howard, DeSoto Grade School
Project: Expanding the Library for Lifelong Readers
Grant funds will be used to update the junior high library with engaging books designed to strengthen students’ connection to reading. - Emerick Neitzer, Brehm Preparatory School
Project: Workshop Revival
New woodshop tools will support a class designed to teach practical, lifelong skills. - Cheryl A. McCann, Trico Elementary School
Project: Classroom Listening Center
An expanded audio library will support auditory learners by providing an alternative way to access books, enhancing comprehension and engagement. - Sara Shepherd, St. John’s Lutheran School, Red Bud
Project: Life Skills in the Lab
Grant funds will purchase garden tools and food preservation supplies to support a science-based life skills curriculum. - Amanda Wetzler, Red Bud Elementary School
Project: Robotics Club
A new robotics kit will bring STEM-based learning to life, providing students with practical experience in coding, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving through a dedicated robotics program.
EECA is honored to support these initiatives and reinforce our commitment to the communities we serve. As a not-for-profit electric utility, we prioritize investing in the future of southern Illinois by equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the resources and skills they need to thrive. These grants are awarded annually, so if you know a school or teacher who might benefit, encourage them to apply next year! More information can be found here.