Midwest Energy Cooperative, in partnership with Touchstone Energy, awarded Strengthening Schools Grants to 18 public schools across its service territory in January. Just over $30,000 was awarded to enhance student learning through support of academic/classroom needs and special projects.

In total, 44 applications were submitted totaling nearly $87,000 in requests. A committee comprised of co-op members Della Bundle, Cassopolis, Joanne Rossman, Mattawan, and Andy Rozentals, Three Rivers, evaluated applications and determined final awards. All applications were evaluated and awarded without knowledge of the school, district or community.

“Once again we were amazed by the passion and creativity demonstrated by teachers and other school personnel in presenting their grant applications. There are great people working in our public schools to educate and shape our students and future leaders, and we’re honored to provide a level of financial support to help them bring innovative ideas to life for these kids,” said Patty Nowlin, director of communications and community relations for Midwest Energy.

Awards were presented to the following schools and projects:

• Brandywine Elementary School, Niles, $1877.90 for elementary art program and “6th grade wall of fame” project

• Brookside Learning Center, Cassopolis, $2125 for early childhood special education play centers

• Edwardsburg High School, $2500 for supplies for the robotics team

• Edwardsburg Primary School, $350 for 1st grade field trip to WNDU weather station

• Howard Elementary, Niles, $1000 for state science standard leveled library of nonfiction books

• Northpointe Learning Center, Cassopolis, $2500 for “PC Eye Go” which allows people with significant motor impairments to use their eyes to operate a computer system

The Strengthening Schools grant program was introduced by Midwest Energy Cooperative in 2013 to make grants available to public schools for academic/classroom needs and special projects. Any teacher, administrator or school official in a public elementary, middle or high school serving children in the Midwest Energy Cooperative service territory could apply. Each district is limited to two grant awards per calendar year.

Information and applications for the 2015-16 funding cycle will be available at TeamMidwest.com beginning in April.

Midwest Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility providing electric distribution and an assortment of energy-related programs and services to more than 35,000 customers in 11 counties in southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.