First Energy, a New Jersey based energy company, is offering grants of up to $500 to support STEM Education in their service area.  This grant notice was recently posted to their website

FirstEnergy proudly supports classroom projects and teacher professional-development initiatives focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

One of the ways we support these activities is by offering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education grants of up to $500 to educators at schools and youth groups in communities served by our electric operating companies and other areas where we have facilities.

More than 1,000 educators and leaders of youth groups have received classroom grants since the program began during the 1986-87 school year.

The application process for the 2012-2013 school year is now open. Projects receiving this year’s grants must be completed during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Who can apply?

Educators (pre-kindergarten through grade 12) and youth-group leaders in our service area communities and where we have facilities are encouraged to apply.

What kinds of projects are considered?

Any creative projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematicswill be considered. Projects that incorporate the following components are of the greatest interest:

• Clearly explain how the items requested for funding are vital to the project’s successful completion
• Focus on electricity and electricity production
• Designed to improve, advance and enrich student learning
• One-time, one-year implementation and evaluation
• Flexible and appropriate for targeted stage of student development
• Range from formative ideas that explore learning concepts to full tested models that are ready to be adopted and disseminated
• Include additional support from other sources for larger projects
• Networking; mentoring; interdisciplinary or team-teaching; and teacher training/professional development

Grants may be used to compensate experts who come to work with students, but not to pay teachers or staff. Resources requested should be integral components of a well-planned classroom project/lesson plan, and important to its success.

What is not supported by this grant?

This grant is for resources needed for individual classroom projects. If more than one classroom is undertaking the same or a very similar project, only one grant per school may be awarded.

• School laboratory supplies or equipment for general school use
• Media equipment (computers, digital cameras, projectors, white boards, DVD players, etc.) and furniture (display and book cases, carts, etc.)
• Continuation of projects previously funded
• Routine responsibilities of the educator submitting the proposal
• Projects that require multiple academic years for completion
• Admission fees and stipends for conferences, workshops and competitions
• Transportion, incentives, meals and refreshments

Grant awards

Grant awards are recommended by the FirstEnergy Education Advisory Council.  Upon completion of the projects, recipients will be asked to provide a written summary with samples of class work. Photographs are suggested, but not required.

How do I apply?

To view and print the application form, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download this free software.

The 2012-2013 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Grant application can be completed online. Once you have entered all of the information:

• Print out the completed application
• Sign it
• Have your principal sign it
• Attach supporting documents
• Attach a copy of your school/organization’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Form (IRS Form W-9) 
• Mail to: Community Involvement Department, FirstEnergy, 76 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308 or fax it to 330-761-4203.

Applications must be received by the FirstEnergy Community Involvement Department by Monday, September 17, 2012 for consideration during the 2012-2013 school year.  For additional information, please contact the external affairs manager at your local FirstEnergy office or 330-384-5022.

Notification of awards

Grant awards will be recommended by the FirstEnergy Advisory Council.Recipients will be notified by Monday, October 8, 2012. Upon completion of the projects, receipients will be asked to provide a written summary with examples of class work and photographs.

Recent supported projects

Download, Bright Ideas for Educators  , a booklet that contains descriptions of recent projects, or view the listing of Educational Grant Recipients.

VISIT THE COMPANY SITE FOR MORE INFO: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/community/education/educational_grants.html

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