Teachers often have great ideas but lack the money to make them a reality. The PPL Foundation would like to provide funding power for teachers to bring their ideas to life and spark students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The foundation gives educators the opportunity to apply for grants that support a STEM education. It is designed to help K-12 teachers provide their students with a more hands-on experience.

Although receiving these grants may be rather competitive, educators can earn up to $1,000 in funding toward projects including science fairs, energy conservation projects, renewable energy demonstrations, math competitions and other educational projects.

This year, PPL will award $25,000 in Empowering Educators grants. Over $200,000 for projects in more than 140 schools have been awarded since the program’s creation in 2003.

“Innovative ideas and technological know-how are so important for the future success of students and society as a whole,” said Lissette Santana, manager of corporate relations for PPL. “PPL supports teachers’ efforts to strengthen students’ skills and fuel their excitement about STEM subjects.”

To be eligible for an Empowering Educators grant, teachers must submit a contest application online at pplempoweringeducators.com. Twenty-five teachers will receive $1,000 toward the purchase of classroom supplies. All groups will then be judged on their proposals based on school need and overall potential impact.

Applications will be accepted online from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. Grant recipients will be notified via email by Nov. 1.

Each project must be completed by May 1, 2019. A final report must be submitted online by May 10, 2019.