The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) and Southwestern Energy (SWN) are thrilled to announce the successful STEM grant scene in our local schools. This year, Ohio Valley educators in Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall counties were awarded $9,148 in STEM grants, celebrated at a grant reception held on Tuesday, September 19th at the Ohio County Library. Thanks to these grants, nineteen projects unfolded across classrooms from K–12, catering to young minds at elementary, middle, and high schools across the region.

“It’s invigorating to have the resources to tell our students, ‘Yes, we can bring your ideas to life,’” shared Thomas Romick, an English and STEM teacher from John Marshall High School.

‘Yes, we can bring your ideas to life.’

Thomas Romick, English & CTE Educator – John Marshall High School

This collaboration between CFOV and SWN highlights their collective aim to galvanize innovation in classrooms and to fuel a passion for STEM. The awarded projects encompass a diverse spectrum – from robotics and computer programming to environmental science.

Stephanie Paluda, Community Relations Manager for SWN, emphasized the program’s underlying goal, “These initiatives, especially targeting girls aged 9 through 12, are pivotal. This age range is when they often drift away from STEM subjects. Our goal is to have a diversified workforce, passionate about their STEM careers.”

“The STEM Grant Program showcases the potential of working together.”

Susie Nelson, Executive Director – Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley

Susie Nelson, the executive director of CFOV, added, “The STEM Grant Program showcases the potential of working together. We’re ecstatic to partner with SWN and offer hands-on STEM experiences to our local schools, crafting an environment of exploration and creativity for the future.”

Spotlighting The Teachers Behind The Grants:

Innovative Soundproofing at the FAB Lab:

One inventive John Marshall High School FAB lab teacher took student feedback to heart. He discovered that the ambient noise in the lab made it hard for his students to hear him. Instead of purchasing expensive soundproofing panels, he used the grant to buy supplies. Using those supplies, his students designed and built their own soundproofing equipment. Not only did this save thousands of dollars, but it also embodied the teacher’s belief that students should play an active role in shaping their learning environment.

Drones and Decisions at Brooke Middle School:

Highlighting the importance of involving students in the grant process, a teacher from Brooke Middle School made sure his drone students were actively involved. From drafting the grant proposal to selecting equipment and even assisting with grant updates, this hands-on approach was an excellent learning experience for the students.

Fraction Fun at an Elementary School Store:

Tackling the common difficulty students face with fractions and money, another educator devised a novel solution. She used the grant funds to create an in-class store stocked with enticing items, including putty, stickers, and scented erasers. The hands-on exercise allows students to ‘purchase’ their favorite items, learning to handle money and calculate correct change in the process.

These heartening stories are a testament to the dedication of our educators and the potential of the next generation. CFOV and SWN are proud to champion such causes, and we’re eager to see the ripple effect of these projects in the Ohio Valley community and beyond.

The next round of SWN STEM Educator funding starts this January. The grants are open to educators of all subjects looking to fund a classroom STEM project. Educators in Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties are encouraged to apply. Information can be found here.

Special thanks to all the educators who participated, SWN, and to our community for continuously supporting STEM initiatives in the region.