For Immediate Release
Contact: Veronica O’Hearn
veronica.ohearn@ettp.doe.gov
(865) 574-9102
Oak Ridge, Tenn., Jan. 11, 2012 – URS | CH2M Oak Ridge (UCOR) LLC is accepting proposals from area schools for educational grants with a specific goal of enabling new instructional methods in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). .
UCOR Education Mini-Grants will be awarded directly to teachers and schools for specific projects. All teachers are welcome to apply, but proposals should focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects. For instance, a music teacher might apply for a grant for a math-related project within the field of music.
Schools in Roane, Anderson, Loudon and Knox counties are eligible to submit proposals.
Interested teachers should contact their school principals for more information. Applications must be received by April 13, 2012.
“We have schools doing outstanding and exciting things in their classrooms, but many times they are limited by a lack of materials and supplies. These grants help schools provide creative and innovative experiences for their students,” said Leo Sain, UCOR President and Project Manager. “As a technology-based company, UCOR understands the importance of supporting education. For the past couple of decades, fewer students have been pursuing math- and science-related careers. If we are to remain competitive, both as a company and a country, we must reverse that trend. Helping schools excite students about math and science is one way of doing that.”
Proposal packages will be sent to school principals. More than one teacher in a school may submit proposals, but each proposal must be approved by the principal. Applications may be made for $350 (for a single classroom), $750 (for a grade or several classes) or $1,000 (for an entire school, and must include an implementation plan).
Proposals will be judged on three criteria:
A project summary, which describes the project and expected results.
The top three learning objectives/curriculum concepts that will be enhanced by the grant, and how results will be measured.
An explanation as to why the project is deserving of the grant.
Grant winners will be recognized at a reception in May.
For more information about the UCOR Education Mini-Grants program, contact Veronica O’Hearn, UCOR Public Affairs & Communications, (865) 574-9102.
UCOR is the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management contractor at the Oak Ridge Reservation. The company is responsible for deactivation and demolition of the K-25 facility at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), as well as other specific scopes of work at ETTP, the Y-12 National Security Site, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
