TVA Opens Applications for 2026 K-12 STEM Education Awards

Aug 3, 2026

Contact: Adam May

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Release Summary

Educators in TVA’s seven-state service area may submit a free application to receive up to $5,000 for STEM projects at tva.com/stem.
Applications accepted Aug. 1 through Sept. 15, 2026.
Program provides $1.5 million in funding for STEM learning projects
EDITORS: B-roll and photos available here.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Educators in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s seven-state region may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for STEM learning projects in classrooms and schools. Applications are being accepted Aug. 1 through Sept. 15. TVA will provide $1.5 million in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization.

“Every student should get the chance to explore big ideas with real-world tools,” said interim TVA President and CEO Mike Skaggs. “When we invest in the curiosity of young people today, we’re helping build the strong communities and bright futures our region depends on.”

The competitive STEM classroom award program is operated in partnership with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network that is managed by the Battelle organization. The program received 528 grant applications last year, with 339 selected for funding. Since 2018, TVA/BVI has provided $9.5 million in STEM awards supporting over 845,000 students.

“It’s funded 3D printers, hydroponic towers, and it’s helped us refresh our garden. One year we purchased microscopic digital viewers for students,” said Jennifer Kennedy, a STEM specialist at Cowart Elementary School in Athens, Alabama. The school has received multiple awards during the program’s history.

“They are so excited, especially with the 3D printers. They see all the videos on YouTube, and they want to be producers as well,” Kennedy said.

Teachers can apply at tva.com/learn/stem-awards for up to $5,000 to fund STEM projects, with preference given to applications that explore TVA’s primary areas of focus: energy, environmental stewardship, economic and career development, and community problem-solving.

“These awards fund hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering and math, building the teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills students will carry into any career,” said Adam Wolcott, BVI Director of Operations. “When we invest in a teacher's vision today, we're helping build the workforce our region will depend on tomorrow.”

Eligible applicants are teachers or school administrators in public or private schools, grades K-12. Schools must be in the TVA service area and receive electricity from a local power distributor served by TVA.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, and advanced technologies. TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. 

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding and deriving virtually all of its revenue from electricity sales. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA’s residential rates are lower than those paid by almost 80% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities, and its industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at tva.com.

Contact

Adam May
TVA Media Relations
[email protected]
865-632-6000

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