April Barbin, a science, technology, engineering, arts and math teacher at Cedar Ridge Elementary in Grovetown, Georgia, was named a recipient of a grant award from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) during a recent celebration. Educators from the greater Aiken-Augusta area recently received grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 from the SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Program.

April Barbin, a science, technology, engineering, arts and math teacher at Cedar Ridge Elementary in Grovetown, Georgia, was named a recipient of a grant award from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) during a recent celebration. Educators from the greater Aiken-Augusta area recently received grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 from the SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Program.

AIKEN, S.C. – An EM contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) awarded 114 local educators grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 during a recent celebration.

To date, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has given $900,000 to support regional educators as part of its Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Program.

“This monetary awards program recognizes the value of and appreciation for our local teachers,” said Taylor Rice, an SRNS education outreach specialist. “Using this money, teachers can purchase equipment, supplies and resources to enhance students' academic performance.”

More than 18,630 students from 69 schools are expected to benefit from this year’s grants from SRNS.

Joseph Cordova with Copeland Elementary in Augusta, Georgia, said SRNS’ belief in the school’s vision and commitment towards improving science education will make a significant difference in the lives of students at Copeland.

“SRNS’ support will empower our teachers to provide quality education that equips our students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving field of science," he said. "We are humbled by their commitment to education and the positive impact they have on our school community.”

Merriwether Elementary School teacher Teressa Gillespie, right, talks with teachers Kim Ketusky, left, with First Baptist Church Education, and Sarah Kirkendohl, center, with Merriweather Elementary, after Gillespie received a $750 grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS). To date, SRNS has awarded $900,000 in grants to support educators in the region. Merriwether Elementary is located in North Augusta, South Carolina, and First Baptist is in Augusta, Georgia.

Merriwether Elementary School teacher Teressa Gillespie, right, talks with teachers Kim Ketusky, left, with First Baptist Church Education, and Sarah Kirkendohl, center, with Merriweather Elementary, after Gillespie received a $750 grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS). To date, SRNS has awarded $900,000 in grants to support educators in the region. Merriwether Elementary is located in North Augusta, South Carolina, and First Baptist is in Augusta, Georgia.

The grants support projects that enhance elementary, middle and high school classroom wish lists with an emphasis on science, mathematics and technology academic programs.

The grants are typically used to purchase project materials, hands-on kits and computer programs such as Using Maps and Robots to Explore Animal Shelters; Marvelous Math Stations; Creations and Coding Using 3D Printing; Innovative Smart Cars; Journey into the Human Body; and Designing Virtual Worlds!

All Central Savannah River Area elementary, middle and high school educators from public and private institutions are eligible to apply for the grants each year. That area includes the eastern Georgia counties of Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington and Wilkes, as well as the western South Carolina counties of Aiken, Edgefield, Allendale, Barnwell and McCormick.

“I think this program is amazing, and it’s also going to benefit SRNS as well because the students we’re educating may one day be their employees,” said Karen McCall with Hammond Hills Elementary in North Augusta, South Carolina. “There have been so many things I’ve been able to teach with the grant money we’ve been awarded. The mini grants are fabulous and easy to apply for.”

SRNS education outreach programs use unique SRS resources to enhance interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) while supporting improvements in education. The SRNS management team believes the business, industry, government and academic communities should partner to improve educational opportunities for all local students.