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ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Nov. 9, 2022) — Hands-on robotics and coding, renewable energy development and wildlife monitoring are just a few of the projects that will be made possible, in part, thanks to the PPL Foundation’s Empowering Educators grants, which support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities.

Fifty teachers throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania were selected as recipients of 2022 Empowering Educators grants from the PPL Foundation. Each teacher receives a grant of $1,000 to spend on equipment and materials for projects.

“The PPL Foundation is proud to celebrate the work of outstanding teachers empowering their students throughout the communities we serve,” said Lissette Santana, chief operating officer of the PPL Foundation. “It’s exciting to see the dedication and level of creativity that our award winners have demonstrated in developing exciting STEM programs.”

Since the grant program’s inception in 2003, PPL, and now the PPL Foundation, have awarded more than $350,000 to more than 300 teachers.

For a complete list of 2022 grant recipients, please visit www.pplempoweringeducators.com.

Examples of the winning projects include:

• Jessica Mack, Blue Mountain Elementary East, Orwigsburg, for a project that explores the life cycle of a butterfly.
• Angela Fowler, East Juniata Elementary School, Richfield, for equipment that will teach students about coding and robotics.
• John Berta, Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, Drums, for the materials needed by students to create a computer-controlled RGB pixel light show synced to music. 
• J. Hunter Hart, Juniata Elementary School, Mifflintown, for a bird feeder cam that will allow students to learn about and monitor wildlife at the school.
• Jennifer L. Johnson, Lincoln Elementary School, Bethlehem, to create a STEM cart for all students in K-2 and provide resources that bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life.
• Ross Ruschman, Monroe Career & Technical Institute, Bartonsville, to expand the use of drones, robotics and electronics in the field of environmental science.
• Mark Kreisher, Muncy Junior/Senior High School, Muncy, for an afterschool bot-building project that allows students to become immersed in robotic design and technology and apply their skills in CAD, 3D printing, LASER cutting, CNC machining and troubleshooting in a competitive, team event.
• Machele Lynch, St. Patrick School, Carlisle, to help expand the school’s garden into a sustainable gardening system, incorporating various lessons for each grade.

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About the PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.