CenterPoint Energy Grant Powers STEM Learning in Local Classrooms

In the summer of 2023, CenterPoint Energy awarded a grant of $25,000 to Crayons to Classrooms (C2C) to support the STEM section in C2C’s Teacher Resource Center for the 2023-2024 school year. STEM supplies are among the costliest to source, and between rising costs and growing demand for STEM learning, teachers’ requests for STEM supplies have increased. With this support, C2C was able to distribute over 1,100 free STEM kits targeted to varied ages, grades, and STEM topics in the 2023-2024 school year.

In most districts served by C2C, more than half of the students still do not meet the “proficient” distinction on state tests in both math and science. Having appropriate STEM-related products and activities in their classrooms will assist teachers in preparing their students for Ohio’s statewide assessments.

To keep up with this important program at C2C, a STEM survey of teachers is undertaken each school year in the second semester. The goal was for at least 75% of teachers to share that STEM supplies from C2C are important for students’ STEM education. In the recent 2024 survey, 93% of teachers indicated that STEM supplies are important for students’ concentration, effort, comprehension, and interest in STEM careers.

CenterPoint Energy’s grant was intended to facilitate the distribution of 800 kits. Exceeding that goal by 43% and high marks in the STEM survey are evidence the program was extremely successful this school year. As a valued partner for both funding and volunteering, CenterPoint Energy continues to support of STEM education the Miami Valley!