Elena Concepcion Wins the NEED Grant

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Elena Concepcion’s school year started off with some very exciting news! She recently learned that she is a recipient of the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Grant.  This program offers a STEM-focused investigation of energy, designed especially for grades 5-8.  The program, Energizing Student Potential, is sponsored by the Exelon Foundation, ComEd, Nicor Gas, People Gas, North Shore Gas and BP America.  Grants were awarded to 40 participating schools across Illinois and Indiana.

The grant includes:

1.  $500 cash grant to be used to support the STEM Project and community project
2.  $3,000 of hands-on kits and curriculum
3.  An Energizing Student Potential Kit to host an Energy Fair and carnival at your school
4.  Access to Educational Energy Audits, Field trips and Classroom visits
5.  2 day professional development for 2 teachers per school and a mid-year refresher workshop
6.  Celebration of Energy
7.  Connections to STEM professionals to help students see all the possibilities of STEM and Energy Careers

Concepcion is enthusiastic about starting the program with her students. She plans to implement the resources with her class and the school’s STEM club.  “So far, the two day PD has been wonderful. I’m just waiting on materials,” Concepcion shared anxiously.  We can’t wait to hear more, once the materials are delivered to your classroom!