CASSOPOLIS — In April, Midwest Energy awarded $30,018 to 22 schools as part of its inaugural Strengthening Schools Grant Program, provided in partnership with Touchstone Energy.

The cooperative is announcing a new grant funding cycle for the 2013-14 school year.

The Strengthening Schools program makes grants of up to $2,500 available to public schools for academic/classroom needs and special projects, technology or specific support for academic clubs and organizations.

Any teacher, administrator or school official in a public elementary, middle or high school serving children in the Midwest Energy Cooperative service territory may apply.

“Public schools and teachers are faced with increasingly stringent requirements as they tackle the diverse needs and challenges of today’s students and families. The expectations are increasing while public support is decreasing,” says Patty Nowlin, director of community relations at Midwest Energy Cooperative. “We are all impacted by the collective successes and failures of our public school systems, and Midwest Energy Cooperative wants to engage our membership in helping to impact positive change on behalf of the greater community.”

Each school district will be limited to one award per school and two awards per district in the annual award cycle.

Applications are due Oct. 1 and funds will be awarded in January 2014.

Projects using awarded funds will need to be completed and final reports submitted during the 2014 calendar year.

Applications are evaluated and funding decisions made by a committee of Midwest Energy Cooperative members without knowledge of the school or district requesting funds.

For more information or an application, please visit TeamMidwest.com or contact Lori Ruff, community relations specialist, at (269) 445-1139 or by email at lori.ruff@teammidwest.com.