AIKEN, S.C. () – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) Education Outreach Programs (EOP) celebrated surpassing $1 million in Mini Grants for local STEM education this month.

Since the initiative began in 2009, thousands of dollars have been awarded to educators from 4K through 12^th grade across public, private and charter schools. This year, 110 educators received a total of $75,000 at a special reception at Newberry Hall in Aiken on May 15.

According to SRNS, nearly 25,000 students across 74 schools will benefit from the Mini Grants, which provide $500, $750, or $1,000 to purchase STEM equipment, materials and supplies to enhance classroom instruction.

“Winning a Mini Grant for the third year in a row is a tremendous support for our science program,” said Joseph Cordova, Richmond County Copeland Elementary Educator. “Last year, we used the funds to create a mobile science cart with essential science materials since we lack dedicated science classrooms. This year, the funds will support our fifth graders’ Exhibition projects, bringing their prototypes to life with a 3D printer, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible.”

The winners are chosen based on their anonymously reviewed project proposals by a panel of 50 judges.